IMDb > Contraband (1940)
Contraband
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Contraband (1940) More at IMDbPro »


Overview

User Rating:
7.1/10   333 votes
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Director:
Writers:
Emeric Pressburger (original story & screenplay)
Michael Powell (scenario) ...
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Contact:
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Release Date:
29 November 1940 (USA) more
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. full summary | add synopsis
User Comments:
Marvelous light-hearted spy adventure more (8 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
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
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
Blackout (USA)
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Runtime:
92 min | USA:80 min
Country:
Language:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)
Certification:

Fun Stuff

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". more
Quotes:
Lt. Cmdr. Ashton, RNR: We've seized your cargo. It's contraband. more
Movie Connections:
References Spione (1928) more

FAQ

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19 out of 24 people found the following comment useful.
Marvelous light-hearted spy adventure, 12 April 2000
Author: ekarle from Boulder, Colorado, USA

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.

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