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One sheet movie poster is for the 1943 film
"Passport to Suez," an espionage thriller set in Egypt during World War II. It is the 20th film in the "Lone Wolf" series and marks the final performance of Warren William as the lead character, Michael Lanyard, a reformed jewel thief turned private detective.
Plot Overview
In this installment, Michael Lanyard (the Lone Wolf) travels to Alexandria, Egypt, to aid the Allied war effort. He finds himself entangled in a Nazi plot to disable the Suez Canal, a vital lifeline for British forces. The story kicks off when a Nazi spy ring kidnaps his loyal valet, Jamison, forcing Lanyard to go undercover to foil their scheme and recover stolen documents from British Intelligence.
Cast and Crew
Warren William: Stars as Michael Lanyard (The Lone Wolf).
Ann Savage: Plays the femme fatale, Valerie King.
Eric Blore: Returns as Lanyard's valet and comic relief, Llewellyn Jamison.
Sheldon Leonard: Appears as Johnny Booth, a nightclub owner whose establishment serves as a hub for intrigue.
Lloyd Bridges: Plays Fritz, a Nazi agent.
Director: The film was directed by André de Toth, marking his first American feature.
Production and Reception
A "Programmer": The film is considered a solid "B-movie programmer," praised for its atmospheric visuals and the chemistry between William and Blore despite its modest budget.
Controversy: At the time of its release, the Los Angeles Board of Review disapproved of its export, arguing it portrayed British Intelligence as "ineffectual and naive".
Visual Style: Despite being shot largely with stock footage for its Egyptian settings, the film is noted for its stylish direction and "interesting shadows" typical of de Toth's work. |
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