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The Spy in Black

Play trailer Poster for The Spy in Black 1939 1h 22m War Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 13 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
A World War I German submarine commander (Conrad Veidt) meets two triple agents (Sebastian Shaw, Valerie Hobson) in the Orkney Islands.

Critics Reviews

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Variety Staff Variety 03/26/2009
Veidt has a strong role for which he's admirably suited. Sebastian Shaw is excellent as the English naval officer. Valerie Hobson, as the other spy, is creditable. Go to Full Review
Derek Adams Time Out 06/24/2006
Darkness, foreboding and regret, rather than any sense of propaganda, dominate this extraordinarily atmospheric World War I spy story made on the eve of World War II Go to Full Review
Frank S. Nugent New York Times 03/25/2006
4.5/5
U-Boat 29 is the most exciting spy melodrama since the advent of the Second World War. Go to Full Review
MFB Critics Monthly Film Bulletin 02/16/2016
The acting is outstandingly good. Conrad Veidt is brilliant in the lead. Go to Full Review
Peter Freedman Radio Times 01/18/2013
3/5
Strong writing combines with striking cinematography and talented direction to make this a satisfying entertainment. Go to Full Review
TV Guide 01/18/2013
3/4
Veidt is sensational. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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David K Aug 3 Thrilling WWII British spy/war movie by future dynamo production team of Powell & Pressburger. In fact, the first collaboration by them at the arrangement of the great Alexander Korda. Moves briskly and with purpose. See more Grant R May 6 My type of film. A British made espionage thriller made by a master crafstman. Though the uniforms and sets might not be entirely accurate, the drama and underlying romance in this great film is top notch. See more Roger M Apr 14 Did anyone notice the “Scottie” (Star Trek) character who keeps popping up from below to complain about the ship’s mechanics? Excellent acting from all major and secondary characters. The dynamic between the minister and his wife is delightful. See more 01/05/2019 Surprisingly good naval espionage movie set during WWI but made on the verge of WWII. Germans, particularly Veidt's character, come off as very human. Hobson's character is intriguing, particularly her obvious attraction toward's Veidt while married to another man. See more 04/25/2017 good plot, but clumsy ending See more s r @ScottR 12/26/2016 Great storytelling for its day and a compelling war film to boot. Then one of the characters went to university of Bristol made it all the better. See more Read all reviews
The Spy in Black

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Movie Info

Synopsis A World War I German submarine commander (Conrad Veidt) meets two triple agents (Sebastian Shaw, Valerie Hobson) in the Orkney Islands.
Director
Michael Powell
Producer
Irving Asher
Screenwriter
Emeric Pressburger
Production Co
London Film Production
Genre
War
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 12, 1939, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Oct 7, 1939
Runtime
1h 22m