The Spy in Black (AKA “U-Boat 29”)
Directed by Michael Powell
Written by J. Storer Clousten, Emeric Pressburger, and Roland Pertwee
1939/UK
London Film Productions
First viewing/Streaming on Hulu Plus
[box] Tagline: TODAY’S U-BOAT TERROR MAKES THIS THE YEAR’S TIMELIEST PICTURE![/box]
The performance of Conrad Veidt and some beautiful noirish camerawork under the direction of Michael Powell highlighted this unexpected gem.
In 1917, Captain Hardt (Veidt) is sent on a secret mission to the Orkney Islands where he is to rendezvous with a German agent masquerading as a schoolteacher (Valerie Hobson). Together they are to exploit intelligence gleaned from a British traitor to intercept the British fleet as it sails to Germany. But the mission is fraught with complications and twists, not the least is Hardt’s attraction to the schoolteacher.
I was really impressed with this one. Veidt is just fantastic as the spy of the title and the screenplay treats him with some nuance and even a little sympathy. The shots are glorious and I thought the ending was really suspenseful. Another highlight is the Miklos Rosca score. Not necessarily for thrillseekers but nevertheless warmly recommended.
Clip – the accomplices meet – Conrad Veidt and Valerie Hobson
I have not seen this film but I adore Conrad Veidt. I first saw him in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” as the sleepwalker and then saw “The Man Who Laughed”. I was hooked after that. He was an unusual looking man but very elegant and no one will forget his Major Strasser in “Casablanca”. He died much too young.
He is really handsome in this movie. I looked him up and was impressed by all his anti-Nazi efforts. Such a shame he left so early.
I think i would see this one just for Conrad Veidt. I will put it on my list.
I don’t think you will regret it.