Albert R.N.

Albert R.N. is a 1947 British comedy-drama film directed by Brian Leverth and Edward Dmytryk. Set during World War II, the movie is a heartwarming tale of camaraderie, wit, and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. The film begins with the British inmates of a POW camp, held captive by the Germans in a remote and inhospitable location. The prisoners are forced to participate in a grueling daily routine of labor and roll calls, with the Germans keeping a watchful eye on their every move. However, the British inmates are not ones to give up easily. After several failed escape attempts, the prisoners begin to suspect that one of their own may be working as an informer, tipping off the Germans to their plans. This suspicion creates a sense of distrust and unease among the prisoners, and tensions run high. In a bid to resolve the situation and avoid any further suspicion, a resourceful prisoner named Albert (played by Bruce Lester) constructs a dummy, which they christen "Albert R.N." or "RN" for short, a reference to the Royal Navy. The dummy is dressed in the uniform of a British sailor and made to look as convincing as possible. At each roll call, the prisoners make sure that the dummy is in its designated place, carefully positioned to mimic the actions of a human. The Germans, oblivious to the ruse, are satisfied that the prisoners are in attendance, and the British inmates can continue their daily routine without arousing further suspicion. The plan is a brilliant success, and Albert R.N. becomes a beloved and integral member of the group, earning the nickname "the invisible man." However, as time passes, the prisoners realize that their makeshift solution has created a strange and unintended consequence: the Germans have grown accustomed to the sight of the dummy, and they are now using it to estimate the number of prisoners. The film takes a turn when the prisoner who constructed Albert R.N. is forced to reveal the secret to the rest of the group. The prisoners decide to continue using the dummy, not just to avoid detection but also as a symbol of their resourcefulness and determination. As the movie progresses, the prisoners face numerous challenges, from navigating the harsh conditions of the camp to finding ways to maintain their morale and keep their spirits high. They find creative ways to cope with the situation, from playing pranks on each other to sharing stories of their pre-war lives. Through it all, Albert R.N. remains a constant presence, a reminder of the ingenuity and resilience of the human spirit. The film is a heartfelt tribute to the men who were imprisoned during World War II, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, cooperation, and creativity in the face of adversity. The cast of the film includes several notable British actors, including Bruce Lester, Stanley Holloway, and Michael Gough. The movie's direction is characterized by its use of a black-and-white cinematography and a straightforward narrative style. While Albert R.N. may not be as well-known as some of the other films from the war era, it remains a charming and engaging comedy-drama that is well worth watching. The movie's themes of camaraderie, wit, and determination continue to resonate with audiences today, and its depiction of life in a POW camp provides a unique and thought-provoking glimpse into one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history.