After fleeing to the United States because of the repressive Nazi government in Germany, Conrad Veidt made quite a career for himself playing evil Nazis in American propaganda films dedicated to boosting support for the war effort. In this case, however, Veidt plays TWO roles! And, the film goes a direction I never had anticipated.
The film begins with Veidt working for the German consulate in America as a leader of a unit of spies. He has a brother who's lived in the US for several years because this brother hates the Nazis. Surprisingly, the nice Veidt gets a visit from his evil twin with the consulate--and it's to blackmail the nice one into working for the Nazis. This continues for a bit, but when the evil Veidt pushes too far, his patriotic and America-loving twin kills him--and assumes his identity in order to undermine the Reich's efforts to destroy America. Where all this goes next, you'll need to see for yourself--but it was surprisingly sentimental and understated. Well made and interesting compared to the average propaganda film--and made a bit better since Veidt was such an excellent actor. Worth seeing.
The film begins with Veidt working for the German consulate in America as a leader of a unit of spies. He has a brother who's lived in the US for several years because this brother hates the Nazis. Surprisingly, the nice Veidt gets a visit from his evil twin with the consulate--and it's to blackmail the nice one into working for the Nazis. This continues for a bit, but when the evil Veidt pushes too far, his patriotic and America-loving twin kills him--and assumes his identity in order to undermine the Reich's efforts to destroy America. Where all this goes next, you'll need to see for yourself--but it was surprisingly sentimental and understated. Well made and interesting compared to the average propaganda film--and made a bit better since Veidt was such an excellent actor. Worth seeing.