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{{Short description|1940 film by Terry O. Morse}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = British Intelligence
| name = British Intelligence
| image = British Intelligence.jpg
| image = British Intelligence.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| caption = Theatrical poster
| caption = Theatrical poster
| director = [[Terry O. Morse]]
| director = [[Terry O. Morse]]
| producer = [[Bryan Foy]] (uncredited)
| producer = [[Bryan Foy]] (uncredited)
| writer = Anthony Paul Kelly (play)<br>Lee Katz (screenplay)
| based_on = {{based on|''Three Faces East''<br />1918 play|[[Anthony Paul Kelly]]}}
| screenplay = Lee Katz
| narrator =
| narrator =
| starring = [[Boris Karloff]]<br>[[Margaret Lindsay]]
| starring = [[Boris Karloff]]<br />[[Margaret Lindsay]]
| music = H. Roemheld
| music = [[Heinz Roemheld|H. Roemheld]]
| cinematography = Sid Hickox
| cinematography = Sid Hickox
| editing = Thomas Pratt
| editing = Thomas Pratt
Line 15: Line 16:
| distributor = Warner Bros.
| distributor = Warner Bros.
| released = {{Film date|1940|01|29}}
| released = {{Film date|1940|01|29}}
| runtime = 60 min., 20 sec.
| runtime = 60 minutes
| country =
| country = United States
| language = English
| language = English
| budget =
| budget =
| preceded_by =
| followed_by =
}}
}}

'''''British Intelligence''''' is a 1940 spy film set in [[World War I]]. It was directed by [[Terry O. Morse]] and starred [[Boris Karloff]] and [[Margaret Lindsay]]. The film, also known as ''Enemy Agent'', was released in the United States in January 1940.{{#tag:ref|The working title of this film was "Secret Enemy".<ref>[http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/1319/British-Intelligence/notes.html "Notes: British Intelligence (1940)".] ''Turner Classic Movies''. Retrieved: August 12, 2014.</ref>|group=N}} The [[Warner Bros.]] [[B picture]] was based on a 1918 play ''Three Faces East'' written by Anthony Paul Kelly and produced on the stage by [[George M. Cohan]].<ref>Aylesworth 1986, p. 37.</ref> Two film adaptations of ''Three Faces East'' in [[Three Faces East (1926 film)|1926]] and [[Three Faces East (1930 film)|1930]] preceded ''British Intelligence''.<ref name="karloff">Jacobs 2011, p. 244.</ref>
'''''British Intelligence''''' is a 1940 spy film set in [[World War I]]. It was directed by [[Terry O. Morse]] and stars [[Boris Karloff]] and [[Margaret Lindsay]]. The film, also known as ''Enemy Agent'', was released in the United States in January 1940.{{#tag:ref|The working title of this film was "Secret Enemy".<ref>[http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/1319/British-Intelligence/notes.html "Notes: British Intelligence (1940)".] ''Turner Classic Movies''. Retrieved: August 12, 2014.</ref>|group=N}} The [[Warner Bros.]] [[B picture]] was based on a 1918 play ''Three Faces East'' written by Anthony Paul Kelly and produced on the stage by [[George M. Cohan]].<ref>Aylesworth 1986, p. 37.</ref> Two film adaptations of ''Three Faces East'' in [[Three Faces East (1926 film)|1926]] and [[Three Faces East (1930 film)|1930]] preceded ''British Intelligence''.<ref name="karloff">Jacobs 2011, p. 244.</ref>


==Plot==
==Plot==
During World War I, Franz Strendler, a master German spy has cost the British dearly. In desperation, they send for their best agent, currently undercover in Germany. Pilot Frank Bennett (Bruce Lester) is sent to pick him up, but the Germans are forewarned and Bennett is shot down. Luckily, he survives and is rescued by friendly soldiers. While recovering in a hospital, Bennett is tended by a pretty nurse, Helene Von Lorbeer (Margaret Lindsay). He tells her he loves her, but she informs him she is leaving, and they will not see each other again. However, after Bennett falls asleep, she kisses him on the cheek.
During World War I, Franz Strendler, a master German spy has cost the British dearly. In desperation, they send for their best agent, currently undercover in Germany. Pilot Frank Bennett is sent to pick him up, but the Germans are forewarned and Bennett is shot down. Luckily, he survives and is rescued by friendly soldiers. While recovering in a hospital, Bennett is tended by a pretty nurse, Helene Von Lorbeer. He tells her he loves her, but she informs him she is leaving, and they will not see each other again. However, after Bennett falls asleep, she kisses him on the cheek.


Von Lorbeer turns out to be a spy herself. She is recalled to Germany to receive a high honor sent personally by the Kaiser and to undertake a new mission. Posing as a refugee named Frances Hautry, she infiltrates the London household of Arthur Bennett ([[Holmes Herbert]]), a cabinet minister, and, coincidentally, Frank's father. She takes her orders from Valdar ([[Boris Karloff]]), the [[butler]]. However, unbeknownst to her, he is a British [[double agent]]. Valdar later secretly reports to Colonel Yeats ([[Leonard Mudie]]), the head of [[British Intelligence]].
Von Lorbeer turns out to be a spy herself. She is recalled to Germany to receive a high honor sent personally by the [[Kaiser]] and to undertake a new mission. Posing as a refugee named Frances Hautry, she infiltrates the London household of Arthur Bennett, a cabinet minister, and, coincidentally, Frank's father. She takes her orders from Valdar, the [[butler]]. Valdar later secretly reports to Colonel Yeats, the head of [[British Intelligence]].


When Bennett's secretary, also a German spy, taps out a secret message in code on her typewriter, Yeats is present and recognizes it. Since only Hautry is also in the office at the time, he sets a trap for her. A captured spy named Kurz seemingly escapes from the British and flees to Hautry's bedroom. She hides him in her closet, but then betrays him when Yeats and his men show up. Afterwards, she tells Valdar that she knew "Kurz" was an imposter.
When Bennett's secretary, also a German spy, taps out a secret message in code on her typewriter, Yeats is present and recognizes it. Since only Hautry is also in the office at the time, he sets a trap for her. A captured spy named Kurz seemingly escapes from the British and flees to Hautry's bedroom. She hides him in her closet, but then betrays him when Yeats and his men show up. Afterwards, she tells Valdar that she knew "Kurz" was an imposter.
Line 35: Line 35:
That night, the British [[Cabinet (government)|cabinet]] meets in Bennett's home. It is the moment Valdar has been waiting for. He forces Hautry at gunpoint down in the cellar, where he has set a bomb to blow the house up under cover of a [[Zeppelin#During World War I|Zeppelin bombing raid]]. Hautry tells Valdar that she had no choice but to make up a story to allay Frank's suspicions. Convinced when she shows him the award she was given, Valdar finally reveals that he is Strendler.
That night, the British [[Cabinet (government)|cabinet]] meets in Bennett's home. It is the moment Valdar has been waiting for. He forces Hautry at gunpoint down in the cellar, where he has set a bomb to blow the house up under cover of a [[Zeppelin#During World War I|Zeppelin bombing raid]]. Hautry tells Valdar that she had no choice but to make up a story to allay Frank's suspicions. Convinced when she shows him the award she was given, Valdar finally reveals that he is Strendler.


Fortunately, Valdar has been under surveillance. Yeats and his men rush to the cellar door. When Valdar escapes through the coal shute, Hautry unlocks the door and informs Yeats about the bomb. Valdar rushes to his hideout to transmit the stolen British plans for the spring offensive, pursued by the British, but, ironically, a Zeppelin bombs the location and kills him and his confederates before he can send his information.
Fortunately, Valdar has been under surveillance. Yeats and his men rush to the cellar door. When Valdar escapes through the coal shute, Hautry unlocks the door and informs Yeats about the bomb, revealing that she is a double agent. Valdar rushes to his hideout to transmit the stolen British plans for the spring offensive, pursued by the British, but, ironically, a Zeppelin bombs the location and kills him and his confederates before he can send his information.


==Cast==
==Cast==
{{div col}}
* [[Boris Karloff]] as Valdar, aka Franz Strendler
* [[Boris Karloff]] as Valdar
* [[Margaret Lindsay]] as Helene Von Lorbeer, aka Frances Hautry
* [[Margaret Lindsay]] as Helene Von Lorbeer
* [[Bruce Lester]] as Frank Bennett
* [[Bruce Lester]] as Frank Bennett
* [[Leonard Mudie]] as Colonel James Yeats
* [[Leonard Mudie]] as James Yeats
* [[Holmes Herbert]] as Arthur Bennett
* [[Holmes Herbert]] as Arthur Bennett
* Austin Fairman as George Bennett
* Austin Fairman as George Bennett
* [[William Bailey (actor)|William Bailey]] as British Intelligence agent (uncredited)
* [[Glen Cavender]] as Under Officer Pfalz (uncredited)
* [[Carlos De Valdez]] as Von Ritter (uncredited)
* [[Clarence Derwent Awards|Clarence Derwent]] as Milkman (uncredited)
* [[Arno Frey]] as German junior officer (uncredited)
* [[Lawrence Grant]] as Brigadier General (uncredited)
* [[Carl Harbaugh]] as German soldier (uncredited)
* [[Winifred Harris]] as Mrs. Maude Bennett (uncredited)
* [[Leyland Hodgson]] as Lord Sudbury (uncredited)
* [[Stuart Holmes]] as Luchow, German soldier (uncredited)
* [[Morton Lowry]] as Lt. Borden (uncredited)
* [[Lester Matthews]] as Henry Thompson (uncredited)
* [[Frank Mayo (actor)|Frank Mayo]] as Brixton, intelligence agent (uncredited)
* [[Paul Panzer]] as Peasant (uncredited)
* [[Ferdinand Schumann-Heink]] as German officer (uncredited)
* [[Hans Schumm]] as German senior officer (uncredited)
* [[Evan Thomas (actor)|Evan Thomas]] as Maj. Andrews (uncredited)
* [[Maris Wrixon]] as Dorothy Bennett (uncredited)
{{div col end}}


==Production==
==Production==
Warner Bros. began principal photography on ''British Intelligence'' in mid-March 1939.<ref>Mank 2009, p. 414.</ref> Morse's remake of ''Three Faces East'' "... is clearly one of those cheap and fast quickies the studios - in this instance, Warner - ground out at the onset of war, as the sheerest propaganda."<ref>Atkinson, Michael. [http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/1319/British-Intelligence/articles.html "Articles: British Intelligence (1940)".] ''Turner Classic Movies''. Retrieved: August 12, 2014.</ref>
Warner Bros. began principal photography on ''British Intelligence'' in mid-March 1939.<ref>Mank 2009, p. 414.</ref> Morse's remake of ''Three Faces East'' "... is clearly one of those cheap and fast quickies the studios - in this instance, Warner - ground out at the onset of war, as the sheerest propaganda."<ref>Atkinson, Michael. [http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/1319/British-Intelligence/articles.html "Articles: British Intelligence (1940)".] ''Turner Classic Movies''. Retrieved: August 12, 2014.</ref> Aerial sequences from the 1930 film ''[[The Dawn Patrol (1930 film)|The Dawn Patrol]]'' were used in the film.


==Reception==
==Reception==
''British Intelligence'' was typical of prewar American propaganda films, similar to other Warner Bros. productions.<ref>Evans 2000, p. 183.</ref> Later reviewers saw it as a clumsy attempt to portray German aggression in Europe at the start of World War II. "As a balm to 1940 audiences, the film includes an early comedy scene in which German military protocol is upset by a clumsy corporal (Willy Kaufman) who bears a startling resemblance to a certain Nazi dictator."<ref>Erickson, Hal. [http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/7162/British-Intelligence/overview "British Intelligence (1940)".] ''[[The New York Times]].'' Retrieved: August 12, 2014.</ref>
''British Intelligence'' was typical of prewar American propaganda films, similar to other Warner Bros. productions.<ref>Evans 2000, p. 183.</ref> Some later reviewers saw it as a clumsy attempt to portray German aggression in Europe at the start of World War II. "As a balm to 1940 audiences, the film includes an early comedy scene in which German military protocol is upset by a clumsy corporal (Willy Kaufman) who bears a startling resemblance to a certain Nazi dictator."{{citation needed|date=December 2024}} Other reviewers have been more positive. The ''[[Radio Times]]'' notes that "this is an intriguing thriller... the wilful obscurity of the storyline is part of its appeal, along with Karloff's sinister geniality."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/film/cddgj/british-intelligence/ |title=British Intelligence |date= |website=[[Radio Times]] |access-date=18 August 2021}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 65: Line 85:
===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
{{Refbegin}}
* Aylesworth, Thomas G. ''The Best of Warner Bros.'' London: Bison Books, 1986. ISBN 0-86124-268-8.
* Aylesworth, Thomas G. ''The Best of Warner Bros.'' London: Bison Books, 1986. {{ISBN|0-86124-268-8}}.
* Evans, Alun. ''Brassey's Guide to War Films''. Dulles, Virginia: Potomac Books, 2000. ISBN 1-57488-263-5.
* Evans, Alun. ''Brassey's Guide to War Films''. Dulles, Virginia: Potomac Books, 2000. {{ISBN|1-57488-263-5}}.
* Jacobs, Stephen. ''Boris Karloff: More Than a Monster''. Sheffield, UK: Tomahawk Press, 2011. ISBN 978-0-95576-704-3.
* Jacobs, Stephen. ''Boris Karloff: More Than a Monster''. Sheffield, UK: Tomahawk Press, 2011. {{ISBN|978-0-95576-704-3}}.
* Mank, Gregory WIlliam. ''Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff: The Expanded Story of a Haunting Collaboration.'' Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, 2009. ISBN 978-0-78643-480-0.
* Mank, Gregory William. ''Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff: The Expanded Story of a Haunting Collaboration.'' Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, 2009. {{ISBN|978-0-78643-480-0}}.
{{Refend}}
{{Refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{IMDb title|id=0032283|title=British Intelligence}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Internet Archive film|id=BritishIntelligence1940|name=British Intelligence}}
* {{Internet Archive film|BritishIntelligence1940}}
* {{Amg movie|7162|British Intelligence}}
* {{tcmdb title|id=1319|title=British Intelligence}}
* {{TCMDb title}}
* {{AFI film|6768}}
* {{YouTube|3ppO_jJHm8c|''British Intelligence complete film''}} (Classics movie online)

{{Terry O. Morse}}

{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:British Intelligence (Film)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:British Intelligence (Film)}}
[[Category:1940 films]]
[[Category:1940 films]]
[[Category:1940s spy films]]
[[Category:1940s spy films]]
[[Category:American films]]
[[Category:American World War II propaganda films]]
⚫
[[Category:American propaganda films]]
[[Category:American spy films]]
[[Category:American spy films]]
[[Category:American film remakes]]
[[Category:Remakes of American films]]
[[Category:Black-and-white films]]
[[Category:American black-and-white films]]
[[Category:Films based on plays]]
[[Category:American films based on plays]]
[[Category:Films directed by Terry O. Morse]]
[[Category:Films directed by Terry O. Morse]]
[[Category:Films set in London]]
[[Category:Films set in London]]
[[Category:Warner Bros. films]]
[[Category:Warner Bros. films]]
[[Category:Western Front films (World War I)]]
[[Category:Western Front (World War I) films]]
[[Category:World War I spy films]]
[[Category:World War I spy films]]
[[Category:Films scored by Heinz Roemheld]]
⚫
[[Category:1940s American films]]

Latest revision as of 17:38, 24 December 2024

British Intelligence
Theatrical poster
Directed byTerry O. Morse
Screenplay byLee Katz
Based onThree Faces East
1918 play
by Anthony Paul Kelly
Produced byBryan Foy (uncredited)
StarringBoris Karloff
Margaret Lindsay
CinematographySid Hickox
Edited byThomas Pratt
Music byH. Roemheld
Production
company
Distributed byWarner Bros.
Release date
  • January 29, 1940 (1940-01-29)
Running time
60 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

British Intelligence is a 1940 spy film set in World War I. It was directed by Terry O. Morse and stars Boris Karloff and Margaret Lindsay. The film, also known as Enemy Agent, was released in the United States in January 1940.[N 1] The Warner Bros. B picture was based on a 1918 play Three Faces East written by Anthony Paul Kelly and produced on the stage by George M. Cohan.[2] Two film adaptations of Three Faces East in 1926 and 1930 preceded British Intelligence.[3]

Plot

[edit]

During World War I, Franz Strendler, a master German spy has cost the British dearly. In desperation, they send for their best agent, currently undercover in Germany. Pilot Frank Bennett is sent to pick him up, but the Germans are forewarned and Bennett is shot down. Luckily, he survives and is rescued by friendly soldiers. While recovering in a hospital, Bennett is tended by a pretty nurse, Helene Von Lorbeer. He tells her he loves her, but she informs him she is leaving, and they will not see each other again. However, after Bennett falls asleep, she kisses him on the cheek.

Von Lorbeer turns out to be a spy herself. She is recalled to Germany to receive a high honor sent personally by the Kaiser and to undertake a new mission. Posing as a refugee named Frances Hautry, she infiltrates the London household of Arthur Bennett, a cabinet minister, and, coincidentally, Frank's father. She takes her orders from Valdar, the butler. Valdar later secretly reports to Colonel Yeats, the head of British Intelligence.

When Bennett's secretary, also a German spy, taps out a secret message in code on her typewriter, Yeats is present and recognizes it. Since only Hautry is also in the office at the time, he sets a trap for her. A captured spy named Kurz seemingly escapes from the British and flees to Hautry's bedroom. She hides him in her closet, but then betrays him when Yeats and his men show up. Afterwards, she tells Valdar that she knew "Kurz" was an imposter.

Frank Bennett unexpectedly shows up, his squadron and others having been recalled to London for some reason. He is surprised to find his former nurse there and under a different name. Hautry is forced to reveal that she is loyal to the British. However, Valdar overhears their conversation.

That night, the British cabinet meets in Bennett's home. It is the moment Valdar has been waiting for. He forces Hautry at gunpoint down in the cellar, where he has set a bomb to blow the house up under cover of a Zeppelin bombing raid. Hautry tells Valdar that she had no choice but to make up a story to allay Frank's suspicions. Convinced when she shows him the award she was given, Valdar finally reveals that he is Strendler.

Fortunately, Valdar has been under surveillance. Yeats and his men rush to the cellar door. When Valdar escapes through the coal shute, Hautry unlocks the door and informs Yeats about the bomb, revealing that she is a double agent. Valdar rushes to his hideout to transmit the stolen British plans for the spring offensive, pursued by the British, but, ironically, a Zeppelin bombs the location and kills him and his confederates before he can send his information.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Warner Bros. began principal photography on British Intelligence in mid-March 1939.[4] Morse's remake of Three Faces East "... is clearly one of those cheap and fast quickies the studios - in this instance, Warner - ground out at the onset of war, as the sheerest propaganda."[5] Aerial sequences from the 1930 film The Dawn Patrol were used in the film.

Reception

[edit]

British Intelligence was typical of prewar American propaganda films, similar to other Warner Bros. productions.[6] Some later reviewers saw it as a clumsy attempt to portray German aggression in Europe at the start of World War II. "As a balm to 1940 audiences, the film includes an early comedy scene in which German military protocol is upset by a clumsy corporal (Willy Kaufman) who bears a startling resemblance to a certain Nazi dictator."[citation needed] Other reviewers have been more positive. The Radio Times notes that "this is an intriguing thriller... the wilful obscurity of the storyline is part of its appeal, along with Karloff's sinister geniality."[7]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ The working title of this film was "Secret Enemy".[1]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ "Notes: British Intelligence (1940)". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved: August 12, 2014.
  2. ^ Aylesworth 1986, p. 37.
  3. ^ Jacobs 2011, p. 244.
  4. ^ Mank 2009, p. 414.
  5. ^ Atkinson, Michael. "Articles: British Intelligence (1940)". Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved: August 12, 2014.
  6. ^ Evans 2000, p. 183.
  7. ^ "British Intelligence". Radio Times. Retrieved 18 August 2021.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Aylesworth, Thomas G. The Best of Warner Bros. London: Bison Books, 1986. ISBN 0-86124-268-8.
  • Evans, Alun. Brassey's Guide to War Films. Dulles, Virginia: Potomac Books, 2000. ISBN 1-57488-263-5.
  • Jacobs, Stephen. Boris Karloff: More Than a Monster. Sheffield, UK: Tomahawk Press, 2011. ISBN 978-0-95576-704-3.
  • Mank, Gregory William. Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff: The Expanded Story of a Haunting Collaboration. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, 2009. ISBN 978-0-78643-480-0.
[edit]
Wikiquote has quotations related to British Intelligence (film).
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