Background to Danger

Background to Danger is a 1943 thriller film that takes place during the Second World War. Directed by Raoul Walsh, it stars George Raft, Brenda Marshall, and Sydney Greenstreet. The film revolves around a series of espionage missions, where the main character, Joe Barton, a former soldier, is recruited by the United States government to obtain valuable information from a Nazi spy ring.

The story starts with Joe Barton arriving in Istanbul, his mission is to retrieve a list of German spies from a defected Turkish agent, which he will hand over to the Americans. Here, he meets Tamara Zaleshoff, a beautiful woman who is later revealed to have a connection with the Nazi spy-ring. As the plot unfolds, the intrigue and suspense begin to intensify, and Joe finds himself in the middle of a game of cat and mouse as he attempts to complete his mission while evading the spy-ring's attempts to stop him.

Throughout the film, Joe's bravery and resourcefulness are put to the test as he navigates the dangerous waters of espionage in wartime. He must outwit the enemy spies, avoid capture and fight his way out of sticky situations. Meanwhile, Tamara's true intentions remain elusive, and Joe must decide whether to trust her or not. The rest of the characters also have their own secrets, which all culminate in a gripping conclusion that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats.

The cast's performances are solid, with George Raft giving an exceptional portrayal of Joe Barton. His character is a former gunrunner, with a past shadowed by past brushes with the law. However, he is good at his job and dedicated to his country, which makes him a compelling and relatable protagonist. Sydney Greenstreet, as the Nazi spy-chief, is a perfect villain, complete with the necessary arrogance, cunning, and intelligence. Brenda Marshall's character, Tamara, is mysterious and alluring, casting doubt on her motivations and loyalties.

The movie benefits from the skilled direction of Raoul Walsh, who keeps the pace fast, the tension high and the action sequences thrilling. The exotic location of Istanbul creates a vibrant atmosphere, further heightening the sense of danger and intrigue. Despite the film's age, it is still engaging and suspenseful and holds up well as a classic-era spy thriller.

Background to Danger is a well-written and well-executed film, with an excellent cast and direction that raises the movie above the standard spy-thriller genre. It has exceptional action sequences, suspenseful moments and engaging characters, making it a must-watch film for fans of the genre. Whether it's the fast-paced dialogue, the intricate plot or the sense of danger and peril, it delivers all the necessary elements that one could ask for in a wartime thriller.