The Two-Headed Spy (1958)

This movie is based on a true story as written in A.P. Scotland's autobiography "The London Cage". The plot has greatly exaggerated the actual events of A.P. Scotland's experiences, including the addition of a fictional love interest.

Director:

André De Toth

Writers:

J. Alvin Kugelmass (story), Michael Wilson (screenplay),

Stars:

Jack Hawkins, Gia Scala, Erik Schumann

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jack Hawkins	...	Gen. Alex Schottland
Gia Scala	...	Lili Geyr
Erik Schumann	...	Lt. Reinisch
Alexander Knox	...	Gestapo Leader Müller
Felix Aylmer	...	Cornaz
Walter Hudd	...	Adm. Canaris
Edward Underdown	...	Kaltenbrunner
Laurence Naismith	...	Gen. Hauser
Geoffrey Bayldon	...	Dietz
Kenneth Griffith	...	Adolf Hitler
Robert Crewdson	...	1st Gestapo Agent
Michael Caine	...	Gestapo Agent
Harriette Johns	...	Karen Corscher
Martin Benson	...	Gen. Wagner
Victor Woolf	...	Pawnbroker

Storyline

World War II spy thriller supposedly based on true story. British secret agent successfully infiltrates Nazi military, achieves rank of general during WWII. He gains full confidence of entire Nazi high command, including Fuhrer Adolf Hitler himself, save one suspecting German officer. All the while the spy passes war-winning information to Allies assisted by two loyal Berlin contacts, first a man then a nightclub singer. A war drama with love-interest relationship and a cliffhanger finale. Also memorable is frightening Adolf Hitler always portrayed from behind, face unseen but with snarling, tyrannical voice.

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Plot Keywords:

hitler | spy | nazi | german | singer | 

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Taglines:

The British Master Spy Who Became Hitler's Favourite General !

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller | War

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 February 1959 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

Chef de réseau

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sabre Film Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to Denis Gifford in his article "Who do you think you are kidding Mr Hitler?" from the film history tome 'The Movie', this film was the first British film made after World War II to feature Adolph Hitler as a character.

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Goofs

Although the story is taking place in the years from 1939-1945, Gia Scala's clothes and hairstyles are strictly 1958, the year the film was made.

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Soundtracks

"Only One For Me"
Written by Peter Hart

User Reviews

Magnificent mix of genres by Andre de Toth

During the Second World War, a British spy has to fulfill risky missions in Germany with the help of a contact who pretends to be a seller of watches. When the man's identity is discovered and is killed, the spy will find a new contact in a cabaret: "Lily" (Gia Scala), pretends to be a singer, and the love story that should be simulated to carry out its mission, ends up being true.

"The Two-Headed Spyes" is one of the best films that perfectly blend intrigue, Noir films, detective films, espionage and war drama. All that is a mixture of ideas is very well made, like the atmosphere and tension, but as usual the story is very unlikely. To think that a German general is a spy for 25 years of the English and not the hunted, is absurd. If that general is also key in the Ardennes or serves to influence Hitler is even less credible and closer to fantasy.

The best thing is the direction of Andre de Toth in the commercial that always makes art films, with plans and innovative frames but not far-fetched, but appear in a completely natural fruit quality.

And of course the actions of Jack Hawkins, one of the best side of American cinema here is a mature protagonist extraordinary character.