Here's an example of the paranoia that had gripped the Western world after WWII. There's ample propaganda and we're really not allowed to see the real motivations behind Robert Taylor's devotion to the cause of Communism and his willingness to be a spy. But what we do see I found riveting. If this film has any real problem it's that it's predictable. The flip side is that I didn't care. It kept me interested and for that I credit the actors.
It's interesting to note that handsome Robert Taylor, a staunch conservative, acquitted himself better than is his usual. His portrayal was far from one-dimensional and his anguish regarding his ideology and instinct for self-preservation versus his love for his wife was very credible. Elizabeth Taylor was lovely as always. The camera loves her and her full-head shots are indeed memorable. Her motivations were not entirely clear though. For example it wasn't clear, considering her apolitical mindset, why she thought her husband was so despicable for being a spy. But then again the paranoia of the times would have made such introspection unnecessary.
The supporting cast was also very good with a special mention for Honor Blackman who always lends a touch of class to anything she's in. The camera work was appropriately sombre or gay when needed. So even though I wouldn't consider it great the performances make it worth seeing and more than once.
It's interesting to note that handsome Robert Taylor, a staunch conservative, acquitted himself better than is his usual. His portrayal was far from one-dimensional and his anguish regarding his ideology and instinct for self-preservation versus his love for his wife was very credible. Elizabeth Taylor was lovely as always. The camera loves her and her full-head shots are indeed memorable. Her motivations were not entirely clear though. For example it wasn't clear, considering her apolitical mindset, why she thought her husband was so despicable for being a spy. But then again the paranoia of the times would have made such introspection unnecessary.
The supporting cast was also very good with a special mention for Honor Blackman who always lends a touch of class to anything she's in. The camera work was appropriately sombre or gay when needed. So even though I wouldn't consider it great the performances make it worth seeing and more than once.