Was this an anti-Nazi or anti-German propaganda, or was it simply a film with an unsympathetic German character?

I assume the latter; it didn't rub me up the wrong way at all. He was just an arrogant man who was hoisted by his own petard. But it didn't get my juices flowing and wanting to go bopping Nazis on the head. Even the murder he committed was required because Gus had spotted his water supply.

Plus, many of the other characters don't come out in a wholly positive light, to put it mildly. Weak willed, adulterous, vain, illogical, promiscuous and ultimately murderous. It was hardly an advert for the heroic allies.

I'd even go so far as to say I'm surprised this was allowed to be made in 1944, given the way it shows failings of ally citizens in a war setting.

Really impressed that this was made 75 years ago as none of it struck me as dated (other than the carp!) despite dealing with themes such as war, race, adultery and including a really good bit of editing around a cuss. It may be my favourite film from the 40s. Most films pre-50s can age badly with melodrama, OTT scores etc.