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Hold Back the Dawn

1941 · Movie · NR · 116 min · ★ 6.7 · 90% critics

DramaRomance

Romanian-French gigolo Georges Iscovescu wishes to enter the USA. Stopped in Mexico by the quota system, he decides to marry an American, then desert her and join his old partner Anita, who's done likewise. But after sweeping teacher Emmy Brown off her feet, he finds her so sweet that love and jealousy endanger his plans.

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Details
Years
1941
Release date
1941-09-26
Language
English
Rated
NR
Runtime
116 min
Critic score
90/100
TMDB rating
6.7/10 (50 votes)

Themes

  • jealousy
  • mexico
  • immigration
  • border
  • telephone
  • gigolo
  • tobacco
  • teacher
  • love
  • american
  • green card
  • told in flashback

Awards & recognition

  • Academy AwardBest Writing, Adapted Screenplay · 1942 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Picture · 1942 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Actress · 1942 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Art Direction, Black and White · 1942 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Cinematography, Black-and-White · 1942 · nominated
Show all 6 awards →
  • Academy AwardBest Original Dramatic Score · 1942 · nominated

Cast & crew

Directed by Mitchell Leisen