British Intelligence

1774. BRITISH INTELLIGENCE (1940-usa). With Boris Karloff, Margaret Lindsay. The year is 1917, and war rages on in Europe. Bombs fly, soldiers die and, lately, most of those soldiers have been British. Indeed, the British High Command has just launched a surprise attack, yet they’re the ones who find themselves outfoxed because, as one British VIP observes, “The Germans must have known of our plans before our junior officers!” Obviously, spies are at work, and the plot of this complex, rip-snorting thriller revolves around a whirlwind of activity among various agents and double agents immersed in the deadly game of war. Boris Karloff gives an impassioned performance as Valdar, a butler in the employ of a British cabinet minister. Valdar, it seems, has been 3 victim of German cruelty: his wife and child were massacred by the Huns, before his very eyes. As the scenario unravels, you’ll be wondering whose side he is really on. Then there is Helene, a beautiful German secret agent who, well, just may not be a German secret agent. Then again, perhaps she really is. This is the kind of entertainment in which anyone, even ‘ a sweet-natured coachman or an office receptionist, could very well be a spy. While the story is set during the First World War, the film was released during World War II. And most interestingly, the scenario serves to warn its audience of the inevitable-conflict to come, After a German officer pronounces that Helene’s most recent accomplishments will result in a “death blow to the Allies,” he goes on to note that “we are destined to conquer the world.” If not then, then in the near future because “a new leader will arise…(and) Germany will own the world.” 60 minutes. Spy Drama