Mata Hari (1985)

Based loosely on the real-life story of the World War I spy. The exotic dancer uses her contacts in European high society, along with her seductive charm, to collect military secrets during... See full summary »

Director:

Curtis Harrington

Writer:

Joel Ziskin

Stars:

Sylvia Kristel, Christopher Cazenove, Oliver Tobias

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sylvia Kristel	...	Mata Hari
Christopher Cazenove	...	Karl von Bayerling
Oliver Tobias	...	Ladoux
Gaye Brown	...	Fraeulein Doktor
Gottfried John	...	Wolff
William Fox	...	Maitre Clumet
Michael Anthony	...	Duke of Montmorency
Vernon Dobtcheff	...	Prosecutor
Anthony Newlands	...	Baron Joubert
Brian Badcoe	...	Gen. Messigny
Tutte Lemkow	...	Ybarra
Taylor Ryan	...	Contessa
Victor Langley	...	Col. Michaud
Nicholas Selby	...	Von Jagow
Malcolm Terris	...	Von Krohn

Storyline

Based loosely on the real-life story of the World War I spy. The exotic dancer uses her contacts in European high society, along with her seductive charm, to collect military secrets during the war. She successfully plays both sides against each other until at last her deceptions catch up with her.

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Plot Keywords:

exotic dancer | secret | military | seduction | nudity | 

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Taglines:

A dangerous lover. A treacherous spy. A beautiful seductress.

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller | War

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

September 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

Un corpo da spiare

Filming Locations:

Hungary

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cannon Group

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The DVD cover states that the name "Mata Hari" means "Eyes of the Dawn".

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Connections

Version of Mata Hari (1931)

User Reviews

Gorgeous photography in this much under-rated WWI picture

So what if some say this was "Awful"! The supporting cast under Miss Kristal is actually very good. Both the French and the Germans are believable. (What is it with lesbian German "fraulein doktors"?) :-) While the WWI battle scenes were rather poor for their lack of hundreds of extras, the details of what WAS shown is very commendable! Miss Kristal's best scene is where she stands at the edge of a trench and her coat drops to reveal for the first time her nurse's uniform (her costume for her spy duties). It doesn't sound dramatic, but the shot IS! The rest of the movie is just GORGEOUS with the European locations, set decoration and authentic props (including a steam locomotive!). It is a beautifully shot movie! You think you are back in 1916! If you enjoyed the location photography in THE BLUE MAX, you will also like MATA HARI! It may not be CITIZEN KANE but very watchable... many times, even!