There is potential to make this early Cold War story a noteworthy Tyrone Power career jump-starter. Though forgotten, it may surprise you how good it might have been. It was directed by Henry Hathaway and produced by Casey Robinson from his and Liam O'Brien's screenplay. The ninety-eight-minute crime drama was distributed by 20th Century Fox with music composed by Sol Kaplan. Of course, Power turns in a solid performance as a favored diplomatic courier of the state department. Almost as good as his stunt double in the sparse action scenes. But there are plot shifts of interest. Intriguing, if not thrilling, the poster does its best to convince this film is a real nailbiter.
Patricia Neal's character, not by pure happenstance, meets up with Power on a flight to Salzburg and her acting is just plain annoying. She seems to be doing her best Tallulah Bankhead impression. Slurred S’s and rapid, witty comebacks trying very hard to be attractive to Power. Her mink coat helps. But soon even Power finds her annoying as she turns up everywhere he goes. He wonders what her game is.
Power becomes involved with Hildegard Kneff, the actress with the tiny "afterthought" credit, playing a Russian spy. Perhaps. She works with Power’s good friend and courier connection, played by James Millican, who has no dialogue after thirty minutes into the film, revealing his fate. Power begins to realize he is also in danger. The never subtle Karl Malden plays a military MP lending backup protection for Power. His superior officer is played by Stephen McNally, in an actual good guy part.
Power rescues Kneff from a Russian agent just before the words "THE END" appears on the screen. How the studios time that so precisely when dialogue runs out has always fascinated me.
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