49th Parallel is a 1941 British war drama film directed by Michael Powell and written by Emeric Pressburger. The film stars Leslie Howard, Laurence Olivier, Anton Walbrook, and Eric Portman, among others.
The film is set in the early days of World War II and follows a group of German soldiers who are stranded in Canada's Hudson Bay after their U-boat is sunk. Led by Lieutenant Hirth, the soldiers are determined to evade capture by crossing the border into the United States, which is still neutral at the time.
As they make their way south, the Germans encounter a diverse group of Canadians who challenge their beliefs and morals. They meet a French-Canadian fur trapper, Johnnie, who shows them the harsh realities of survival in the Canadian wilderness. They also encounter a Hutterite farming community led by Peter, who teaches them the value of pacifism and communal living.
Along the way, the Germans also encounter an author named Philip and a soldier named Andy Brock, both of whom are fiercely loyal to their country and opposed to the Germans' plans. As tensions rise and the Germans become more desperate, the film explores themes of morality, patriotism, and the human condition during wartime.
Ultimately, the Germans' attempts to cross the border are thwarted by the Canadian authorities, and the film ends with a message of unity and solidarity against the threat of fascism.