The Conspirators (1944)

During WW2, in neutral Portugal, a Dutch resistance fighter is attempting to find passage to England while trying to avoid Nazi spies and Portuguese policemen.

Director:

Jean Negulesco

Writers:

Frederic Prokosch (novel) (as Fredric Prokosch), Vladimir Pozner (screenplay)

Stars:

Hedy Lamarr, Paul Henreid, Sydney Greenstreet

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Hedy Lamarr	...	Irene Von Mohr
Paul Henreid	...	Vincent Van Der Lyn
Sydney Greenstreet	...	Ricardo Quintanilla
Peter Lorre	...	Jan Bernazsky
Victor Francen	...	Hugo Von Mohr
Joseph Calleia	...	Police Captain Pereira
Carol Thurston	...	Rosa
Vladimir Sokoloff	...	Miguel
Eduardo Ciannelli	...	Police Colonel Almeida (as Edward Ciannelli)
Steven Geray	...	Dr. Schmitt
Kurt Katch	...	Otto Lutzke

Storyline

Vincent Van Der Lyn, a Dutch freedom fighter in WWII, is forced to neutral Lisbon to escape the Nazis. There he meets a small band of underground conspirators. The group's leader, Ricardo Quintanilla, knows that one of their number is spying for the Nazis, and needs Van Der Lyn to help identify the traitor.

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Plot Keywords:

train | psychotronic film | anti nazi | lyonnaise potatoes | nazi | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance | Thriller | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

A song, "Orchard Moon" with music by Max Steiner and lyrics by Al Stillman was published in connection with the picture.

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Goofs

The two cops in uniform that escort the police detective in the restaurant after the opening murder, are wearing black top hats similar to those worn by English bobbies then, which were never part of the Portuguese police force. Some twenty years later, Portuguese traffic cops would use those top hats, but in white, when directing traffic in busy crossroads.

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Quotes

Irene Von Mohr: He took me out of Dachau. Yes, Dachau, the concentration camp! That's where I was sent by the Germans! That's where I spent four months of living dead. It was Hugo who got me out. It was Hugo who saved my life! I'll do anything for him.

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Connections

Spoofed in Top Secret! (1984)

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Soundtracks

Rua do Capelão
(uncredited)
Sung by Aurora Miranda

User Reviews

Casablanca Sequel

In order to counter the unbelievably negative previous review I shall first disagree with ALL of the "I spy" review.

Jean Negulesco (Humoresque) directs an all-star cast in "The Conspirators", a truly remarkable film, and a MUST SEE!! This film resembles "Casablanca" in that it has much of its feel--the cast, setting (WWII Portugal), romantic music, this film has it all! Strangely enough, this film bears some similarity to Hedy Lamarr's life in Germany before her escape. She worked extensively against the Nazi's. The fact that she was to be cast in Casablanca instead of Ingrid Bergman goes to show that the chemistry between Paul Henreid was definitely strong. Unfortunately, Lamarr was not able to take the role so it was given to Bergman.

Lamarr's enigma-like qualities is trademark of her style and adds to the film's appeal.

Henreid is in his own element here and the man he was hinted at being in Casablanca comes to life.

Sentimentality evidently fails to appeal to everyone. However, I will conclude with stating how much the messages this film carries appeal to me--the love story filled with strife, as well as fighting against all odds whatever the cost.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English German French

Release Date:

24 October 1944 (USA)

Also Known As:

Give Me This Woman

Filming Locations:

Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1