USA, Anatole Litvak (1939)
This film was the second in a double feature, shown with The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse. There’s a reason why it was second billed—it was fairly dull in comparison and would have lost audience members if it’d been shown first. More interesting as a time capsule, it’s less effective as a thriller. Based on the true story of the FBI investigation of a Nazi spy ring operating in America prior to WWII. Edward G. Robinson has a minor role as the lead investigator and Paul Lukas plays a Nazi operative using propaganda and fiery speeches to recruit spies.
Here’s the Gist: Fans of police procedurals will dig this film; otherwise, there are much more riveting crime thrillers to be seen. [** ½]
2 Things @ Once 