This espionage film is quite enjoyable and is truly a fascinating little curio from the Cold War. However, it also is quite silly at times and plays more like a comic book or perhaps a B-movie than a genuine thriller. While the performances are pretty good (in particular, I liked Karl Malden in one of his early roles), the writing isn't and often credibility is simply thrown out the window--with Power playing the part more like he's in an Indiana Jones movie than a spy picture.
Power plays a diplomatic courier who is sent to Salzburg to receive some information. Unfortunately, the man he is supposed to meet is murdered and Power isn't sure what to do next. The US army encourages him to go on a spy mission--not because they believe Power will complete it, but because they think the bad guys will tip their hand while trying to kill Power!! Sadly, they don't bother telling Power this and he just seems to blunder into things.
In the midst of all this are two ladies--one of which is OBVIOUSLY bad since they keep accidentally meeting and one is possibly on the side of good. These two subplots are the biggest problem with the film. With the first woman, it's obvious to everyone in the audience that she's evil--after all, despite Europe being very large, they just happen to meet again and again?! With the second, her role wasn't bad, but having Power jump into the thick of things to rescue her was just silly. Tyrone Power was a fine actor--but here they have him playing more of an action hero and it really made the film seem rather cheesy.
Still, despite some plot problems, it's a decent little time-passer with an interesting glimpse into a part of our history you seldom see on film.
Power plays a diplomatic courier who is sent to Salzburg to receive some information. Unfortunately, the man he is supposed to meet is murdered and Power isn't sure what to do next. The US army encourages him to go on a spy mission--not because they believe Power will complete it, but because they think the bad guys will tip their hand while trying to kill Power!! Sadly, they don't bother telling Power this and he just seems to blunder into things.
In the midst of all this are two ladies--one of which is OBVIOUSLY bad since they keep accidentally meeting and one is possibly on the side of good. These two subplots are the biggest problem with the film. With the first woman, it's obvious to everyone in the audience that she's evil--after all, despite Europe being very large, they just happen to meet again and again?! With the second, her role wasn't bad, but having Power jump into the thick of things to rescue her was just silly. Tyrone Power was a fine actor--but here they have him playing more of an action hero and it really made the film seem rather cheesy.
Still, despite some plot problems, it's a decent little time-passer with an interesting glimpse into a part of our history you seldom see on film.