Blackout
(1940)
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Blackout
(1940)
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Conrad Veidt | ... |
Capt. Andersen
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| Valerie Hobson | ... |
Mrs.Sorensen
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Hay Petrie | ... |
Axel Skold /
Erik Skold
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Joss Ambler | ... |
Lt. Cmdr. Ashton, RNR
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Raymond Lovell | ... |
Van Dyne
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| Esmond Knight | ... |
Mr.Pidgeon
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Charles Victor | ... |
Hendrick
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Phoebe Kershaw | ... |
Miss Lang
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Harold Warrender | ... |
Lt. Cmdr. Ellis, RN
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John Longden | ... |
Passport Officer
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Eric Maturin | ... |
Passport Officer
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Paddy Browne | ... |
Singer in 'Regency'
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Henry Wolston | ... |
First Danish Waiter
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Julian Vedey | ... |
Second Danish Waiter
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Sydney Moncton | ... |
Third Danish Waiter
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This is the tale of life in a British port in the first year of World War II. Spies and smugglers abound in the blackout and unreal shore life of the "phoney war" (before the shooting started). Written by Steve Crook <steve@brainstorm.co.uk>
The plot is well paced and fun, although a bit convoluted. But, Conrad Veidt and Valerie Hobson are the hidden pleasures in this film. She's beautiful and witty. He's tall (very), handsome, and debonaire. Together they're very sexy: their relationship here is reminiscent of that of William Powell and Myrna Loy in the Thin Man and Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint in North-By-Northwest. The scene in which they break the bonds in which the villains have tied them is wonderfully erotic. Above all, Contraband demonstrates how film makers (outside of Powell and Pressberger) missed the boat in not taking advantage of Veidt's sophisticated persona, understated acting skills, and comedic flair.