René Hardy (1911–1987)

Fictionalised account of the activities of real-life mercenary double agent Eddie Chapman, played here with suave, charming aplomb by Christopher Plummer. The story of how a pre-war safecracker becomes both a German and British agent is interesting but never fully catches fire and lacks any real feeling if danger or excitement. Director Terence Young tries to establish a James Bondesque atmosphere but it doesn't really work with the serious wartime nature of the material. It's a decent story, however, made highly watchable by Plummer's cheeky performance, essaying Chapman's amoral jauntiness to great effect. Yul Brynner gives great support as Baron Von Grunen, Chapman's monocle-sporting, aristocratic handler, while Romy Schneider delivers some fine on / off romantic interest as Helga Lindstrom.… (more)