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The Secret People (1952) More at IMDbPro »


Overview

User Rating:
6.3/10   124 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
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Director:
Writers:
Thorold Dickinson (story) &
Joyce Cary (story) ...
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Contact:
View company contact information for The Secret People on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
29 August 1952 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
LOOK OUT FOR THIS MAN! HE LIVES! AND LOVES! AND MURDERS!
Plot:
This tale of intrigue finds Valentina Cortese involved in an assassination plot. She helps the police... more | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
User Comments:
A brilliant study of ideology leading subtly into terrorism more (7 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Valentina Cortese ... Maria Brentano aka Brent aka Lena Collins
Serge Reggiani ... Louis Balan
Charles Goldner ... Anselmo

Audrey Hepburn ... Nora Brentano
Angela Fouldes ... Nora Brentano as a child
Megs Jenkins ... Penny
Irene Worth ... Miss Jackson
Reginald Tate ... Inspector Eliot
Norman Williams ... Police Sgt. Newcombe

Michael Shepley ... Manager of the British Pavilion
Athene Seyler ... Mrs. Reginald Kellick
Sydney Tafler ... Syd Burnett
Geoffrey Hibbert ... Steenie
John Ruddock ... Daly
Michael Allan ... Rodd
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
Secret People
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Runtime:
96 min
Country:
Language:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Company:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
While most sources (including this website) list the official release date of this film as 1952, the copyright notice on the title card of the actual film reads "1951". more
Soundtrack:
Valse brillante As-dur Op.34-1 more

FAQ

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8 out of 9 people found the following comment useful.
A brilliant study of ideology leading subtly into terrorism, 17 December 2005
10/10
Author: shbruce from United Kingdom

This is a seriously under-rated work of classical British film art on a compelling subject and is as relevant to London life today as it ever was. Considering this film was released in 1952 it explores so perceptively the path from praiseworthy ideology, through working for a noble cause, into terrifying involvement in an act of pure terrorism. Right through you are steadily but inexorably drawn with a lure of truth and justice, into a slowly evolving web of intrigue, conspiracy and ultimately murder, and it leaves you wondering at which point do you actually stray from idealism and decency into cold depravity? Given the '50s context, centred on an urban minority family, the actual plot is still frighteningly relevant and this film is surely just waiting for a re-make to bring it chillingly up to date. Until then, if you can find a copy of this film, watch it - its a vital and absorbing education, in the grand old style, on the strong subject of ideology.

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