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The Spy in Black (1939)

Director: Michael Powell

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From Time Out Film Guide

Darkness, foreboding and regret, rather than any sense of propaganda, dominate this extraordinarily atmospheric World War I spy story made on the eve of World War II. It signals the end of a peacetime era even more clearly than The Lady Vanishes. Daringly, the audience is asked to sympathise with the 'enemy' as the magnificent, shadowy Veidt moves through remarkable Scottish sets on a mission to Scapa Flow to destroy the British fleet. Intrigue, uncertainty and confused loyalties build to a bitter, ironic climax, and along the way Powell effortlessly produces more memorable shots and scenes than can be found in a dozen contemporary films.

Author: CPe 0000-00-00 00:00:00

Time Out Film Guide

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Cast & crew

Director: Michael Powell

Producer: Irving Asher

Cast: Conrad Veidt, Valerie Hobson, Sebastian Shaw, Marius Goring, June Duprez, Athole Stewart full cast

Genre(s): Thrillers

Duration: 82 mins


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