Conspirator (1949)

In Cold-War London, young American Melinda Greyton marries British Army Major Michael Curragh who is a Communist spy working for the Soviets.

Director:

Victor Saville

Writers:

Sally Benson (screenplay), Sally Benson (adaptation)

Stars:

Robert Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, Robert Flemyng

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Robert Taylor	...	Maj. Michael Curragh
Elizabeth Taylor	...	Melinda Greyton
Robert Flemyng	...	Capt. Hugh Ladholme
Harold Warrender	...	Col. Hammerbrook
Honor Blackman	...	Joyce
Marjorie Fielding	...	Aunt Jessica
Thora Hird	...	Broaders
Wilfrid Hyde-White	...	Lord Pennistone (as Wilfred Hyde-White)
Marie Ney	...	Lady Pennistone
Jack Allen	...	Raglan
Helen Haye	...	Lady Witheringham
Cicely Paget-Bowman	...	Mrs. Hammerbrook
Karel Stepanek	...	Radek
Nicholas Bruce	...	Alek
Cyril Smith	...	Detective Inspector

Storyline

On a visit to London, 18 year-old American Melinda Greyton goes to her first party, a Regimental ball. There she meets and falls madly in love with Major Michael Curragh, a handsome bachelor who returns her affections. After a relatively short period of time, they marry and all is bliss. Michael has some peculiar habits such as when he gets upset when Melinda sends an old overcoat out for cleaning or when she takes a few £1 notes from his wallet. In fact, Michael is a Communist spy and has been a member of the Party since he was in school. When Melinda finally realizes just what and who he is, she tells him to choose between her or his beliefs. He tells her he'll leave the Party but its all a ruse. He does love his wife however and when his spy masters tell him Melinda must be done away with he faces the ultimate choice.

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Plot Keywords:

post world war two | cold war | london england | soviet spy | safe house | 

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Taglines:

The Man She Loved Was A Traitor, Sworn To Kill Her!

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 March 1950 (USA)

Also Known As:

El traidor

Filming Locations:

Cley Windmill, North Norfolk, Norfolk, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$1,832,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film caused controversy because of the age difference between Elizabeth Taylor and Robert Taylor - who were 16 and 37 respectively; the script claims they are 18 and 31, bringing them somewhat closer together.

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Goofs

Both times Elizabeth Taylor's character is asked her age, her mouth says "seventeen," but her voice says "eighteen." The script must have been changed in post-production because of the controversy over difference between the lead actor's ages.

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Connections

Featured in Some of the Best: Twenty-Five Years of Motion Picture Leadership (1949)

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Soundtracks

Beyond the Clouds
(uncredited)
Music by Kenneth Essex
De Wolfe Music Ltd

User Reviews

Two beautiful Taylors in a cautionary film about being a Communist

Elizabeth Taylor is a lovely, vibrant American woman who falls in love with older Communist spy Robert Taylor in "Conspirator," a British film that was Elizabeth Taylor's entry into adult stardom. She received her first screen kiss, in fact, from co-star Robert Taylor - not bad, but then, this is Elizabeth Taylor we're talking about.

The stars and supporting players (including a very young Honor Blackman) aren't the problem. For me the script and therefore the character actions are questionable. Elizabeth is supposed to be passionately in love with her new husband, as well as insecure and naive. On learning Taylor, a British officer, is a Communist, she grows up fast. We're told. We really don't see it, nor are we given an idea of how much time has passed to give her an opportunity to reach this new maturity. We're supposed to believe he was unable to stave her off with some tall story? Also, for a superficial young woman interested in redecorating her house, she certainly is suddenly a very committed patriot. As for Robert Taylor, a man who's been involved with the party for so many years would certainly have known the trouble he'd be in for failing to carry out orders and how bad it would look to beg for help and make excuses. Come on.

There's nothing wrong with the acting, and Elizabeth Taylor is dazzlingly beautiful, though in my opinion, it will be a couple of more years before her beauty truly is at its height. But she certainly performs her adult role well. Robert Taylor is appropriately dashing and menacing, with his widow's peak, something my mother always mentioned about him, in full prominence. They certainly made a beautiful couple. But in "Conspirator," alas, they're not meant to be.