"Diplomatic Courier" is an outstanding spy, action thriller set in 1952 Europe where many countries were yet divided by occupation forces since World War II. The movie is based on a novel by Peter Cheyney, a British writer of suspense, crime and mysteries. He had served in World War I and was a police reporter and crime investigator in the 1920s.
The cast hosts several prominent actors with magnificent roles. All give superb performances. This is one of the best and demanding roles Tyrone Power had in his career. He is a State Department courier who gets embroiled in espionage. He is prodded for romance, clubbed more than twice, tossed in the sea to drown, almost run over by a hit and turn driver, drugged and tortured, and caught up in fist fights. Patricia Neal is seductive as Joan Ross and Stephen McNally plays the tough-as-nails head of Army CID, Col. Mark Cagle.
Hildegarde Knef is excellent as a double agent, Janine Betki. Karl Malden has a wonderful supporting role as Master Sgt. Ernie Guelvada of the CID. He comes to Mike's rescue a number of times. Lee Marvin has a small part as an MP, and the yet unknown Charles Bronson has a silent part as a Russian agent. German actor Stefan Schnabel plays a familiar role as Rasumny Platov, the head Soviet agent.
This film is a fine example of a sub-genre of movies that began almost after the end of WW II. Cold War spy thrillers continued until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. The best years these flicks were the late 40s through the 1960s. After that there were fewer such films.
An added plus for this film is that it was made during the post-war occupation period. For several years after the war – until 1952, Allied forces had a presence in some western and eastern European countries. They helped maintain order and provide police and security protection as those countries got back on their feet. In some countries, American, British and French had military presence along with or opposite Russian units. In the Eastern bloc counties, the Soviets held sway all alone.
So, this film has a lot of suspense, action, and movement, with wonderful cinematography of some of the European locations. The intrigue, action, scenery, setting, script with sub-plots, and excellent acting and direction all add up to a most enjoyable and entertaining movie. One that also gives a good picture of the climate and times in the early Cold War years right after World War II. For that reason, "Diplomatic Courier" also has historical value for any film library.
The cast hosts several prominent actors with magnificent roles. All give superb performances. This is one of the best and demanding roles Tyrone Power had in his career. He is a State Department courier who gets embroiled in espionage. He is prodded for romance, clubbed more than twice, tossed in the sea to drown, almost run over by a hit and turn driver, drugged and tortured, and caught up in fist fights. Patricia Neal is seductive as Joan Ross and Stephen McNally plays the tough-as-nails head of Army CID, Col. Mark Cagle.
Hildegarde Knef is excellent as a double agent, Janine Betki. Karl Malden has a wonderful supporting role as Master Sgt. Ernie Guelvada of the CID. He comes to Mike's rescue a number of times. Lee Marvin has a small part as an MP, and the yet unknown Charles Bronson has a silent part as a Russian agent. German actor Stefan Schnabel plays a familiar role as Rasumny Platov, the head Soviet agent.
This film is a fine example of a sub-genre of movies that began almost after the end of WW II. Cold War spy thrillers continued until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. The best years these flicks were the late 40s through the 1960s. After that there were fewer such films.
An added plus for this film is that it was made during the post-war occupation period. For several years after the war – until 1952, Allied forces had a presence in some western and eastern European countries. They helped maintain order and provide police and security protection as those countries got back on their feet. In some countries, American, British and French had military presence along with or opposite Russian units. In the Eastern bloc counties, the Soviets held sway all alone.
So, this film has a lot of suspense, action, and movement, with wonderful cinematography of some of the European locations. The intrigue, action, scenery, setting, script with sub-plots, and excellent acting and direction all add up to a most enjoyable and entertaining movie. One that also gives a good picture of the climate and times in the early Cold War years right after World War II. For that reason, "Diplomatic Courier" also has historical value for any film library.