The Intruder

Smartly blending thriller (a desperate ex- soldier who got a raw deal after WW2 becomes an ex-convict on the run) and war movie (scenes from the past of the characters of the story) ,"the intruder" ,although too over-the top melodrama ( Ginger 's fate when he comes back from war could be that of a character of Hugo's "le misérables" ) , is a gripping movie.

Mertin (Jack Hawkins ),the officer who goes back in the past ,begins more and more compassioning as the story unfolds .Nothing in the world is black and white, even in war when men are supposed to be heroes : Perry (superbly portrayed by Dennis Price ,for me the stand-out) acted like a coward and ,discharged ,he has become a well-respected man, smug , despising. On the other hand , there is a strong camaraderie between these brothers in arms which lingers when the war is over , a friendship even a little girl can feel ; little by little,the colonel will side with them .