review for Joe Smith, American on AllMovie

America made a number of propaganda films during World War II, many of which are so blatantly manipulative that they're hard for modern viewers to watch, but Joe Smith, American is one of the better ones and holds up as a decently involving drama. The title, which is a bit too pointed, tells the story: this is a film in which we will learn how any "little man" can play a big role in protecting his country. In other words, we're in for a bit of didacticism. Fortunately, Paul Gallico's streamlined screenplay makes the lesson go down palatably. Yes, it's preaching, but it's done with a sure sense of the rightness of the lesson being taught and with a commendable degree of skill in transmitting the message. Richard Thorpe directs earnestly but effectively; with America at war, he wants to make sure that the lesson is taught properly, but he also wants to watch the entertainment value of his film. He's quite good with the dramatic highlights, especially the interrogation segments, but he makes sure that the "simple values" flashbacks are handled with equal care. In the title role, Robert Young is exceptional, and he gets good backing from Marsha Hunt and a young Darryl Hickman.