Contraband
Contraband

Contraband

1940Movie91 minEnglish

During early World War II, a Danish sea captain, delayed in a British port, tangles with German spies.

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Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Director: Michael PowellGenres: Film-noir, Thriller, Crime

Plot Summary

During the early days of World War II, Danish sea captain Andras "Chris" Lassen is tasked with transporting a young woman, an artist named Yula, across the sea to safety. However, their journey is fraught with peril as they are pursued by Nazi agents who are after a secret code Yula carries. Lassen finds himself increasingly drawn to Yula while trying to evade capture and protect her from the dangerous individuals hunting them.

Critical Reception

Contraband was generally well-received by critics for its suspenseful plot, stylish direction, and the compelling performances of its lead actors, particularly Conrad Veidt. It is often cited as an example of early British film noir, effectively blending espionage elements with romantic intrigue against the backdrop of wartime uncertainty.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its tense atmosphere and efficient storytelling.
  • Commended for Conrad Veidt's commanding performance.
  • Noted for its early contributions to the film noir genre.

Google audience: Audience reception data for Contraband (1940) on Google is not readily available, making it difficult to summarize specific user likes or dislikes.

Fun Fact

The film was directed by Michael Powell, who, along with his partner Emeric Pressburger, would later form the renowned filmmaking duo 'The Archers', responsible for classics like 'The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp' and 'Black Narcissus'.

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TMDB Reviews

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CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

When Conrad Veidt's Danish freighter is routinely stopped by the Royal Navy in search of contraband; he is held over for 24 hours. He manages to get hold of two shore passes for himself and his first mate, but they are stolen and as he inve...