A groundbreaking film for its docu-drama feel, this film about counterespionage efforts against Nazi spies in New York was filmed with the cooperation of the FBI. This exciting story was based on an actual incident in which a Nazi agent attempted to steal parts of the atom bomb and uses newsreel as well as location shots to give it atmospheric authenticity.
The story is a composite of cases from official FBI files.
Non-professional actors and real FBI agents appeared in the film.
Censorship in 1945 wouldn't allow the producers to have a man impersonating a woman, so they used a woman instead for the role of transvestite.
Film debuts for actors Edward (E.G.) Marshall, Vincent Gardenia, Rusty Lane and Paul Ford.
Shot on location in New York.
Additional cast: Lydia St. Clair (Johanna Schmedt), William Post, Jr. (Walker), Bruno Wick (Adolphe Lange), Harro Meller (Conrad Arnulf), Charles Wagenheim (Gus Huzmann), Alfred Linder (Adolph Klaen), Rusty Lane (Admiral).
Additional credits: Lewis Creber (art director), William Sittel (set decorator), William Newberry (casting director), Henry Weinberger (assistant director).
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
Mono - English
Stereo - English, Spanish
Subtitles - English, Spanish - optional
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary - Eddie Muller - Film Historian
Bonus Trailers - Fox Noir Montage
Photo Gallery:
Photo Stills
Additional Product:
Press Booklet
Director of Photography
Norbert F. Brodine: American Director of Production
Production Designer
Lyle Wheeler: Art Director
Story
Charles G. Booth: Screenwriter, Novelist, mid '30s-late '40s, JOHNNY ANGEL
Production Designer
Lewis Creber:
Review 1:
"...This fact-based Oscar winner for best original story launched the semi-documentary sleuth cycle, a ubiquitous force in post-war cinema..."
Source: USA Today
p.3D 06/09/1995