The Counterfeit Traitor (1962)

“Strange… You can read about a hundred atrocities, hear about a thousand, but you only have to see *one*!” – Baron Gerhard von Oldenburg

Number of Times Seen – 1  (15 Feb 2015)

Brief Synopsis – An American businessman living in Sweden during WWII is reluctantly made a spy for the allies and must do his best under the circumstances. Based on a true story.

My Take on it – This is actually a movie I had never heard of until I saw an advertisrment for a showing in a local paper.

The premise seemed intriguing, so I figured that I’d give it a try.

I liked the storyline and the premise but in order to fully appreciate this movie you need to enjoy slow non-action thrillers like most of the ones made during the 60’s.

William Holden was great as the lead as usual with the rest of the cast doing a fine job to support him.

There are a bunch of unexpected twists and turns here that help keep it interesting along the way.

This is completely a cerebral spy thriller since it lacks what most viewers would expect if it was made today and that is action. Despite lacking action scenes, it does a very fine job keeping itself interesting

Bottom Line – Holden is amazing as always. Very interesting spy story that is based on truth. Done in the usual way that thrillers were made at the time and isn’t at all action packed as would be expected now a days. Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – When Erickson goes to the “red light” district in Hamburg to make his contact with the underground, the street is ablaze with light from the windows and street lamps, something that would never have been seen in wartime, when blackout precautions were rigidly imposed – particularly in a city like Hamburg, which was a routine and consistent target of Allied bombers. (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy

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