Agrega una trama en tu idiomaLewis Dumont, a Northern officer in the American Civil War, works undercover behind Confederate lines in an attempt to lead Southern forces away from an area in which a Northern attack is pl... Leer todoLewis Dumont, a Northern officer in the American Civil War, works undercover behind Confederate lines in an attempt to lead Southern forces away from an area in which a Northern attack is planned. But Dumont falls in love with a Southern girl and when she proves useful to his pla... Leer todoLewis Dumont, a Northern officer in the American Civil War, works undercover behind Confederate lines in an attempt to lead Southern forces away from an area in which a Northern attack is planned. But Dumont falls in love with a Southern girl and when she proves useful to his plan, his conscience begins to tear at him.
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Opiniones destacadas
Previously filmed by Famous Player Lasky in 1919, this hammy play was revived no doubt because it was something from new RKO studio head David Selzick's childhood.
Based on a play by the celebrated American stage actor William Gillette, this nearly forgotten Civil War film offers an interesting espionage plot and three actors worth watching.
Sturdy leading man Richard Dix provides a fine performance as a conflicted hero who would probably have gotten shot by both sides if captured. Even when the dialogue given him was substandard, Dix could always be counted on to instill some life into his character.
Gavin Gordon plays the Virginia official, consumed with jealousy, who engages Dix in a deadly war of wits. Wonderful Clarence Muse brings real heart to his portrayal of a friendly slave whose good nature gets him into terrible trouble.
The film has definite drawbacks. The romance Dix has with a Southern belle (Shirley Grey) is neither convincing nor compelling. The spy plot, dealing greatly with multiple coded telegraph messages, is rather difficult to follow. And the film fairly cries out for a background score to push the action along (Max Steiner, later one of the big names in cinematic music, provides the scant score).
The story is relatively routine but is also handled well. There is a nice feeling of suspense and the film does take a few unexpected turns. Because of this, it's a agreeable little film and well worth your time.
Aside from some rather over-thick Southern accents, the film is generally entertaining and had a surprisingly unpleasant Gavin Gordon as a Confederate man whom we first might think is a non-combatant, but is in fact higher up, and ruthless to boot. This is powerfully seen when the servant / slave Jonas, played by Clarence Muse is summarily hung for helping Dix pass a message through. This is done without even letting the household know.
The film then becomes more fluid, with good use of camera movement in the telegraph office. . Directed by J Walter Ruben, this is certainly entertaining, though perhaps rather silly at times, although there was even another filming of it in 1977. In addition to this and Sherlock Holmes, Gillette wrote a number of other American Civil War dramas but this is a rare filming of one of them while the author was still alive.
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- TriviaThe play opened on Broadway, New York City, New York, USA on 5 October 1898. There were 3 Broadway revivals, the last in 1976.
- ConexionesVersion of Secret Service (1919)
- Bandas sonoras(I Wish I Was in) Dixie's Land
(1860) (uncredited)
Written by Daniel Decatur Emmett
Part of a medley of Civil War songs played during the opening credits
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Detalles
- Tiempo de ejecución1 hora 8 minutos
- Color