Background to Danger

Released Jul 3, 1943

1h 20m

Mystery & Thriller

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Reviews

45%

Audience Score

50+ Ratings

Joe Barton (George Raft) is an American intelligence agent working an undercover mission in Turkey during World War II. Turkey is neutral territory, but the Nazis are developing plans to take control of the country. A strange woman passes Barton papers containing details of a supposed Soviet invasion. Also very interested in the documents are a mysterious Russian operative, Tamara Zaleshoff (Brenda Marshall), and traitorous Nazi agent Colonel Robinson (Sydney Greenstreet).

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Yasser Medina

Cinefilia

A fatiguing and dull spy thriller from Raoul Walsh that lacks any trace of intrigue. Full review in Spanish

Rated: 5/10

Mar 4, 2022

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Michael E. Grost

Classic Film and Television

Dull but inoffensive spy thriller might offer some light entertainment.

Jul 6, 2010

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Lightweight espionage tale.

Rated: B-

Aug 14, 2008

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David K

I have so many problems with this film. Let's start with the model trains that are obvious. The editing. The clear dependance on cast members of Casablanca, which this film is tries to emulate, shows a real lack of imagination. The plot is silly. And, then, there's George Raft. There's a reason he never achieved the status of Humphrey Bogart and that goes beyond the roles he turned down. He's just not in Bogey's league in acting chops. It shows in this film. He's just never believable. Watch it only as a study of his roles.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/19/24

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Steve D

Fairly predictable but entertaining.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/17/24

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joe m

"Background to Danger" is an ok and enjoyable movie of spies and intrigue in WW II neutral Turkey, yet nothing particularly outstanding overall.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

Every time I screen a George Raft movie I'm amazed at what an unpolished actor he was. Additionally, I've learned that his influence on the moviemaking process was rarely positive. Background To Danger is a movie that suffers both, from Raft's limited acting skills to his interference in the story. (Raft wanted changes to his character based - not on the betterment of the story - on his whims and image.) The film is worthy of watching for Raoul Walsh's direction.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

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Audience Member

Follow up, but not as good as Casablanca

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

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Audience Member

International intrigue in hot spot Ankara, Turkey, during World War II is the center of this secret agent escapism--Well-Made, Well-Acted Formula Spy Thriller Is Entertaining... The 39 Steps meets Casablanca!!

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

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Raoul Walsh

Director

George Raft

Joe Barton

Brenda Marshall

Tamara Zaleshoff

Sydney Greenstreet

Colonel Robinson

Peter Lorre

Nikolai Zaleshoff

Osa Massen

Ana Remzi

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Synopsis

Joe Barton (George Raft) is an American intelligence agent working an undercover mission in Turkey during World War II. Turkey is neutral territory, but the Nazis are developing plans to take control of the country. A strange woman passes Barton papers containing details of a supposed Soviet invasion. Also very interested in the documents are a mysterious Russian operative, Tamara Zaleshoff (Brenda Marshall), and traitorous Nazi agent Colonel Robinson (Sydney Greenstreet).

Director: Raoul Walsh
Producer: Jerry Wald
Screenwriter: W. R. Burnett
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Production Co: Warner Brothers/Seven Arts
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 3, 1943, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
Runtime: 1h 20m

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