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Background to Danger

Play trailer Poster for Background to Danger Released Jul 3, 1943 1h 20m Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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Background to Danger

Critics Reviews

View All (3) Critics Reviews
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 Full Review Michael E. Grost Classic Film and Television Dull but inoffensive spy thriller might offer some light entertainment. Jul 6, 2010 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Lightweight espionage tale. Rated: B- Aug 14, 2008 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review Steve D Fairly predictable but entertaining. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/17/24 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Audience Member Follow up, but not as good as Casablanca Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews
Background to Danger

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Movie Info

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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