An American woman marries a German professor, who gains citizenship
but cannot overcome hatred of Germans during the World War.
In 1909 Sam Archer (Frank Albertson) makes fun of Germans while
his sister Mary Archer (Barbara Stanwyck) prepares flowers. Jeff
(Ralph Bellamy) arrives from Germany with Hugo Wilbrandt (Otto
Kruger), who kisses her hand. Hugo sings German love lyrics to
Mary and translates. Sam is angry that Mary is going to marry
a German. Hugo teaches chemistry, and Mary cooks. Mary and Hugo
buy a puppy, and Mary has a baby. Hugo renounces Germany and swears
loyalty to the United States. At a party they sing patriotic songs,
and Hugo is given a cup commemorating his citizenship. That day
Germany invaded Belgium.
In 1915 German torpedoes sink the Lusitania, and angry
Sam comes to Mary for his things. No one attends her tea. Hugo
learns he lost his job but refuses to go to Mary's parents. Their
son Teddy (Ronnie Cosby) is sick, and Hugo sings to him until
he dies. Kids kick the German dog Anna (Clara Blandick) walks.
Hugo tells Mary he may have a job. Anna says that kids threw
rocks at their dog. Hugo finds the dying dog and shoots it. Grandma
Archer (Laura Hope Crews) and Jeff come for Mary and Hugo, offering
him a job. He accepts; but when he refuses to change his name,
Mary collapses. Hugo tells Mary to go and says he will come next
week. They say good-bye.
Mary's cousins turn off "Silent Night" because it is
German. She gets a letter from Hugo that he can't be an American
and so will go fight for his people. In November 1917 Mary in
uniform says she got her divorce. Mary comes back, and Jeff in
uniform greets her in the garden. They agree they are made for
each other.
In France Mary welcomes two women and takes a gun and poison
away. Jeff visits Mary. In a canteen Lefty tells Mary about a
big troop movement. Mary sees Hugo in uniform and distracts Jeff,
who says a spy is loose. Mary finds Hugo hiding in her room and
says she won't help him. They embrace and kiss. At 4:45 a.m. Hugo
says he has a chance now. They see men marching. Mary puts poison
in both wine glasses. Hugo drinks first, but she drinks too. Slowly
he dies, and then she does too.
This melodrama explores the hatred of Germans caused by
war hysteria in America. Treated like an enemy, Hugo finally acts
like one.