Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)It is terrific that this wonderful film is now available on DVD. This is a gripping story of international espionage circa 1940-44. Based upon a true story, William Holden turns in his customary stellar performance as a Swedish petroleum industrialist (of American deriviation--he had renounced his American citizenship, married in Sweden and become a Swedish subject) who is initially blackmailed by Allied intelligence to spy for the British and Americans. Since Sweden is neutral, and Holden has extensive business connections in Nazi Germany, he is ideally suited to travel about Germany and locate targets for allied bombers.
The development of Holden's character is superb, and the viewer truly gets a sense of what it might have been like to be a secret agent of this sort during the war. Holden functions by blackmail and bribery, and the film does a fine job of not glossing over these basic components of spycraft. The story develops methodically. While initially Holden is a reluctant, even unwilling spy, eventually what he sees of German methods and brutality converts him into an enthusiastic allied agent. The same is true of some of those whom Holden has bribed or blackmailed into cooperating with his activities.
The cinamatography of the film is excellent, with European locales giving an authentic air to the film. While I often dislike it when there is a narrative that overlays a movie, in this film it is done very well, and adds a great deal to the story. The storyline moves at a brisk but thoughtful pace, never drags, and this film tells a great story.
This is one not to be missed by anyone who enjoys a good spy flick. Highly recommended.
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Item Name: The Counterfeit Traitor; Studio:Paramount
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