5 FINGERS (1952) ****
A valet, during World War II, working for the British Ambassador in neutral Turkey sells top secret documents to the Germans. James Mason is perfect as the valet (codename: Cicero) seeking the life of a rich gentleman with a disgraced Countess (Danielle Darrieux). He does by striking a deal with the Germans in exchange for information that is most secret, top secret. It seems simple enough. The plot is set for white knuckled twists and turns that are laced with irony, suspense, and social commentary. It is comparable to Fritz Lang and Jean Renoir. It even eclipses Robert Altmans GOSFORD PARK as a commentary of the changing of societys rules regarding the upper and lower class. Mason once again excels at playing a despicable person whom you really care for. Michael Rennie is also on hand as an investigator who is on to Cicero. All is made better with some handsome 20the Century Fox productions values, music from Bernard Hermmann, a script from Michael Wilson and sharp direction from Joseph Mankiewicz. Supposedly based on true story! Great locations and good use of sound for 50s Hollywood movie. The exchange rate for this bit espionage will make you gasp for air.
A valet, during World War II, working for the British Ambassador in neutral Turkey sells top secret documents to the Germans. James Mason is perfect as the valet (codename: Cicero) seeking the life of a rich gentleman with a disgraced Countess (Danielle Darrieux). He does by striking a deal with the Germans in exchange for information that is most secret, top secret. It seems simple enough. The plot is set for white knuckled twists and turns that are laced with irony, suspense, and social commentary. It is comparable to Fritz Lang and Jean Renoir. It even eclipses Robert Altmans GOSFORD PARK as a commentary of the changing of societys rules regarding the upper and lower class. Mason once again excels at playing a despicable person whom you really care for. Michael Rennie is also on hand as an investigator who is on to Cicero. All is made better with some handsome 20the Century Fox productions values, music from Bernard Hermmann, a script from Michael Wilson and sharp direction from Joseph Mankiewicz. Supposedly based on true story! Great locations and good use of sound for 50s Hollywood movie. The exchange rate for this bit espionage will make you gasp for air.
