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 (as Andre 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. A British secret agent successfully infiltrates Nazi military and achieves the rank of General during World War II. He gains full confidence of entire Nazi high command, including Führer Adolf Hitler, 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:

spy | nazi | hitler | singer | nightclub 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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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1959 (Argentina)

Also Known As:

El espía de dos cabezas

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Sabre Film Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Black and White (archive material) Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

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

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Goofs

When Schottland opens his newspaper to find his connection, the ads for Nuremberg Eggs are in English whilst the rest of the paper is in German.

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Crazy Credits

Opening credits prologue: TO THOSE MEN OF THE INTELLIGENCE SERVICE WHO WORKED IN SECRECY, WHO STRUGGLED AND DIED IN DARKNESS, TO THOSE LONELY AND COURAGEOUS MEN WHO RISKED THEIR LIVES DAILY IN THE ENEMY CAMP, THIS PICTURE IS DEDICATED.

AND TO ONE OF THESE MEN - COL. A.P. SCOTLAND, O.B.E. BRITISH INTELLIGENCE SERVICE, WHOSE EXPLOITS OVER THE PAST HALF CENTURY INSPIRED THIS STORY, WE WISH TO EXPRESS OUR THANKS.

BERLIN 1939

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Soundtracks

The Only One
by Peter Hart

User Reviews

Obscure but riveting classic!

I didn't start out thinking I was going to like The Two-Headed Spy. I thought it was going to be another WW2 spy movie that would be too wordy and more boring than exciting. By the time the first half hour had passed, I was positively riveted!

Jack Hawkins is a German general, and is very well-respected among his fellow Nazis. Then, he's seen entering an antiques shop and speaking to Donald Pleasance about a rare clock he's looking to buy. The conversation about a clock is merely a ruse until they know they're alone and unobserved—Jack Hawkins is really an undercover British agent!

Previously, I'd only seen Jack Hawkins in a supporting role in Ben-Hur, but he carries off the leading role very well, commanding the screen and expressing every emotion with confidence. The Two-Headed Spy is a very riveting spy movie, with countless tension-filled scenes in which someone could—or does—get caught, discovered, and punished for being a spy. It really is an interesting, overlooked film from the 50s. Gia Scala, another of Jack's contacts, is beautiful and strong, rather like a prettier, more likable Ingrid Bergman. Had this film starred more well-known actors, it would probably be a classic. As it is, it's highly entertaining and fun—rent it for a thrilling evening with your sweetie-pie. The ladies won't be bored with this one, I guarantee it. And, if you're looking closely enough, you can see Michael Caine in one of his earliest movies. He's only on the screen for a couple of minutes, but when you hear the Nazi speaking with a Cockney accent, you can tell it's him!