The Black Tom explosion during WWI set off by German agents is a wake up call to the American homeland. During the Spanish Civil War, arrogant American tourists insist on traveling and foreign service agent Barry Corvall (Joel McCrea) is forced to take care of them. Brenda Ballard claims to be a destitute stranded American. Barry falls in love and marries her. There is an accusation against her and he is forced to resign.
This takes place during the build up to WWII. America is still a few years away from joining. This movie is actually willing to name Germany as the enemy state although it couches the animosity from the first world war. There is a long presentation in the middle railing against possible sabotage from within and proposes more drastic measures to combat it. The first half is a little interesting. Once Barry is forced to quit, the story muddles around and loses its intensity. Sneaking around in a mansion is not going to add to the thrills. This movie is more interested in pushing the panic button on the home front. There are good reasons for that in the real world and it works in its propaganda purposes. For the cinematic world, it seems to be preaching.
This takes place during the build up to WWII. America is still a few years away from joining. This movie is actually willing to name Germany as the enemy state although it couches the animosity from the first world war. There is a long presentation in the middle railing against possible sabotage from within and proposes more drastic measures to combat it. The first half is a little interesting. Once Barry is forced to quit, the story muddles around and loses its intensity. Sneaking around in a mansion is not going to add to the thrills. This movie is more interested in pushing the panic button on the home front. There are good reasons for that in the real world and it works in its propaganda purposes. For the cinematic world, it seems to be preaching.