They Raid by Night (1942) Director: Spencer Gordon Bennet Studio: Columbia Pictures Starring: Lyle Talbot, June Duprez, Victor Varconi, George N. Neise, Charles Wagenheim Release Date: May 22, 1942 Runtime: 64 minutes Format: Black-and-White, 35mm Country: United States Language: English Genres: War, Drama, Action --- Summary: They Raid by Night follows a daring commando mission during World War II, as Allied agents attempt to sabotage Nazi operations in occupied Norway. The story focuses on Captain Robert Owen, who leads a small group of operatives deep behind enemy lines to destroy a German munitions plant. Facing betrayal, harsh winter landscapes, and overwhelming odds, the commandos must rely on ingenuity and courage to complete their mission and survive. The film blends war action with espionage suspense, reflecting wartime themes of sacrifice and resilience. --- Background: Produced by Columbia Pictures during the height of World War II, the film was one of many wartime dramas intended to bolster Allied morale and portray resistance against Nazi occupation. Directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet, best known for his prolific work on serials and action pictures, *They Raid by Night* was a modestly budgeted production that leaned on patriotic storytelling rather than spectacle. The movie stands as an example of Hollywood’s contribution to wartime propaganda efforts, using fast-paced narratives to reinforce themes of bravery and Allied unity. --- Trivia: * The film was released in 1942, less than a year after the U.S. entered World War II, making its themes especially timely. * Spencer Gordon Bennet, nicknamed “the King of Serial Directors,” brought his experience with action sequences into the film’s commando raid scenes. * The film was sometimes marketed under the alternate title *The Commandos Have Landed*. * June Duprez, who played the female lead, was best known for her earlier role in *The Thief of Bagdad* (1940). --- Hashtags: \#TheyRaidByNight #WWIIFilm #ColumbiaPictures #ClassicWarMovies #LyleTalbot #JuneDuprez #1940sCinema #EspionageDrama