William A. Wellman superbly directs The Iron Curtain which is the most realistic film depicting the despotic morbidness of communism. This early Cold War thriller is well documented and shot in real locations in Canada. The story centers around Dana Andrews (Igor Gouzenko) a cipher clerk freshly assigned to the Soviet embassy in Canada. He is increasingly troubled by his work for duplicitous Soviet officials. He is tested early by Secretary Nina Karanova (June Havoc) who tries to seduce him, but Gouzenko keenly contemplates the scheme by his communist handlers. Karanova is disconcerted again as his wife joins him. None other than Gene Tierney (Anna Gouzenko) gives an outstanding performance as a wife then mother who is effectuating a painful epiphany to Karanova. Berry Kroeger (John Grubb, aka 'Paul'), masterfully protrays a menacing Soviet vassal masterminding the spy network. Also a noteworthy performance by Eduard Franz (Major Kulin), whose contempt for the oppressors is unmasked by his alcohol consumption. The remainder of the cast was superb including Edna Best (Mrs. Foster), Stefan Schnabel (Ranov), Mauritz Hugo (Leonard Laetz), Leslie Barrie (Editor), Nicholas Joy (Dr. Norman), Frederic Tozere (Col. Trigorin), and Victor Wood (Captain Class).
Review of The Iron Curtain
