The Informer
The Informer

Movie spotlight

The Informer

1929
Movie
83 min
English

A man betrays his best friend, a member of a terrorist organisation, to the authorities and is then pursued by the other members of the organisation.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Director: Arthur RobisonGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

Gypo is a simple, dim-witted but good-hearted giant of a man who works as an informant for the police in Dublin. When his fellow Irish Republicans suspect him of being a traitor after an operation goes wrong, Gypo struggles to survive while trying to prove his loyalty and earn enough money to care for his girlfriend. His desperate search for help leads him through a series of perilous encounters and moral compromises.

Critical Reception

Released during the transition from silent films to talkies, "The Informer" was an early sound film that garnered some attention for its atmospheric portrayal of Dublin's underworld. While not a major commercial success, it was noted for its grim tone and Lars Hanson's performance. Critical reception was mixed, with some praising its technical achievements for the era and others finding its narrative somewhat melodramatic. Its historical significance lies in its place as an early sound crime drama.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its early sound technology and atmospheric setting.

  • Lars Hanson's performance as the doomed Gypo was often highlighted.

  • Some found the plot overly bleak and melodramatic for its time.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for "The Informer (1929)" is not readily available, likely due to its age and the shift in review platforms over time.

Fun Fact

Although released in 1929, "The Informer" was filmed and recorded using the Movietone sound system, making it one of the earlier dramas to incorporate sound.

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