Candlelight in Algeria (1944-03-19)
Drama | Bélica |
Overview
Directed By: George King
Star Cast: James Mason , Carla Lehmann , Raymond Lovell , Enid Stamp-Taylor ,
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Carla Lehmann is "Susan" who finds herself in an hospital bed in Algeria just as the Allies celebrate a resounding victory over the Nazis. She recounts a tale to one of her nurses of her role in enabling that victory... She encounters an escaping British prisoner "Thurston" (James Mason) whom she shelters, and who manages to rope her into his plan to obtain a camera that has photographs of the venue of a soon-to-happen top secret meeting essential to the planning of the invasion. Soon she is embroiled in his operation and with it's perils, and they must retrieve the photographs and smuggle them out safely before being apprehended. It's quite an action packed thriller, this - plenty going on, and there is enough intrigue to keep us on our toes. There's a degree of chemistry between the two leads (I am not quite sure how she ended up in hospital!) before quite an exciting denouement with Walter Rilla ("Dr. Muller) and his Nazi cohort. From a historical perspective, it shines a little light on the complex nature of the Vichy and Free French relationships with both the Allies and the Nazis - yet it makes their loyalties quite clear! It's got a pretty misleading title, which doesn't exactly help - but is still a well made, decent enough watch. Essential for fans of the dashing James Mason.