Like all so-called cinema studies the film-goer has to strain every sense to figure exactly what the producer intended to show and anybody’s interpretation can be good in Hell on Earth (Niemandsland), which means that at most it’s a futile thing as far as entertainment goes. Most of the photography is silent dubbed with cannon sounds except for the incidental dialogue spoken by the five soldiers. An offscreen voice makes cryplic announcements and descriptions in English from time to time during the progress of the picture and is okay. Much of the war shots is stock stuff. Picture pretends to be the first really “international” film because words from five languages are spoken at varioud times by the characters. The dialogue is of the briefest kind whenever spoken, although plainly enough. Limited sentences and phrases of French, Yiddish, English and German can be heard. The dialog is incidental to the action, but too incidental to warrant that “international” claim. (Variety, February 6, 1934)
An idea too big for its pocket book. Ethical war theme on human reactions which would be doubtful for business even if extravagantly and well done. Hence, boxoffice chances for this are nil. However, the plot is too dragged out and repeatedly uncertain. What comedy is present is forced. A good cast cannot overcome inherent shortcomings. (Variety, December 29, 1931, Berlin)