Contraband (1940)

Director:

Michael Powell

Writers:

Emeric Pressburger (original story & screenplay)
Michael Powell (scenario) ...

Release Date:

29 November 1940 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Romance

Tagline:

Stop that man and woman! His mission is deadlier than that of the enemy in the sky. Her beauty is a dangerous weapon of war!

Plot:

Early in World War II, Danish sea captain Andersen, delayed in a British port, tangles with German spies.

Plot Keywords:

Spy | Danish | Blackout | Sea Captain | One Word Title

Cast

Conrad Veidt	...	Capt. Andersen
Valerie Hobson	...	Mrs.Sorensen
Hay Petrie	...	Axel Skold / Erik Skold
Joss Ambler	...	Lt. Cmdr. Ashton, RNR
Raymond Lovell	...	Van Dyne
Esmond Knight	...	Mr.Pidgeon
Charles Victor	...	Hendrick
Phoebe Kershaw	...	Miss Lang
Harold Warrender	...	Lt. Cmdr. Ellis, RN
John Longden	...	Passport Officer
Eric Maturin	...	Passport Officer
Paddy Browne	...	Singer in 'Regency'
Henry Wolston	...	First Danish Waiter
Julian Vedey	...	Second Danish Waiter
Sydney Moncton	...	Third Danish Waiter

Also Known As:

Blackout (USA)

Runtime:

92 min | USA:80 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English | Danish

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Certification:

Sweden:15 | UK:U

Filming Locations:

Chester Square, Belgravia, London, England, UK

Company:

British National Films

Trivia:

When Michael Powell and the crew went on location to Ramsgate (Eastgate in the film), they sent all their luggage and equipment in cases boldly marked "Contraband". Luckily the local wartime Contraband Controllers saw the funny side and when they arrived at the hotel they found their cases had stamps and stencils all over them saying things like "Explosives", "Examined", "Condemned".

Quotes:

Lt. Cmdr. Ashton, RNR: We've seized your cargo. It's contraband.

Movie Connections:

References Spione (1928)

Marvelous light-hearted spy adventure

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.