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      I Was an American Spy

      Released Apr 14, 1951 1h 24m History Drama War List
      Reviews 29% Audience Score Fewer than 50 Ratings In this fact-based film, Claire Phillips (Douglas Kennedy) is an American nightclub performer living in Manila, Philippines, who is married to John (Gene Evans), a U.S. soldier. When her husband is killed in combat during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, she is convinced by John Boone (Ann Dvorak), a U.S. secret agent, to assist in collecting and transmitting information to aid the the war effort. However, things take a dark turn for Claire when she's captured by Japanese operatives. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Premiered Jun 22 Buy Now

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      Critics Reviews

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      Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Emotionally powerful low-budget war story. Rated: B- Apr 13, 2015 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

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      Steve D More melodramatic infomercial than real film. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 06/23/23 Full Review thomas w True story of American entertainer of Filipino descent, Claire Phillips, born in Detroit and raised in Portland, Oregon, who found herself in the Philippines when the Japanese invaded on 8 December, 1941, the day after their attack on Pearl Harbor. Masquerading as a sympathizer to the Japanese war effort, she ran a nightclub frequented by Japanese officers, passing along information she gleaned to American-led Filipino guerrilla forces, as well as smuggling food, medicine and money (with which to bribe guards) in to POWs being held by the Japanese. Her code name was "High Pockets" because of her habit of slipping tips and messages down into her bra. Because of her heroic efforts, she was awarded America's highest civilian award, "The Medal of Freedom," by President Truman. It's a low-budget movie, and its stars may not be A-listers, but the fact that this is a true story that sticks fairly close to the facts makes this move very watchable. Give it a chance. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member based on a true story Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member I honestly don't know how to rate the movie, but this can be decent viewing for those who want something old-fashioned. The story is true: Claire Phillips, who lives in Manila, falls in love and gets married with her husband, Johnny, but he must serve in the new war that's embroiling as a result of the attacks in Pearl Harbor. He, however, becomes a dead POW. To avenge his death, she becomes a spy by running a nightclub, the place where she smuggles supplies to American POW's through Filipino guerillas. Eventually, the Japanese figure out, and she is imprisoned. But in the end, she escapes and is presented with a medal by the presidential representative for her courage. Yay! It's somewhat boring, but has touches of excitement, romance, and emotion. I actually find the idea intriguing, one working for America amidst the political trappings of Japanese occupation. Plus, Ann Dvorak is a great actress emiting sheer bravura. As I can see, this is surprisingly an obscure film. But, thanks to TCM, this movie will hopefully be better known in the future. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member Madame Tsubaki Claire Phillips/Dorothy Fuentes infiltrates Japanese high command and causes trouble for the Axis. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      I Was an American Spy

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis In this fact-based film, Claire Phillips (Douglas Kennedy) is an American nightclub performer living in Manila, Philippines, who is married to John (Gene Evans), a U.S. soldier. When her husband is killed in combat during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, she is convinced by John Boone (Ann Dvorak), a U.S. secret agent, to assist in collecting and transmitting information to aid the the war effort. However, things take a dark turn for Claire when she's captured by Japanese operatives.
      Director
      Lesley Selander
      Screenwriter
      Samuel Roeca
      Distributor
      Allied Artists Pictures
      Production Co
      Allied Artists Pictures Corporation
      Genre
      History, Drama, War
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Apr 14, 1951, Original
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Jun 22, 2009
      Runtime
      1h 24m
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