I've never seen it on broadcast or cable, I got a copy from a friend. I like it. Fred MacMurry and Joan Crawford make a surprisingly good couple, Basil Rathbone has a great role. My favorite actor Conrad Veidt doesn't have enough to do, but what he does is "cherce."
Conrad Veidt Society
http://www.geocities.com/Nocturne_CVS/
They are showing "Above Suspicion" on Turner Classic Movies as I write this. The print is stunningly clear and crisp. Perhaps a DVD release is coming? GREAT MOVIE!
shareYes, I've seen it three months ago, on a rental at a video club in Montréal.(Qué) and it pleases me all the way. Both sides: tragic and comic. Bunch of excellent actors from the good old forties and fifties. Even if this one is not a big classic, you always wonder how the two heroes will escape many traps of the Nazis. not knowing Mister X (B.R.) is one of them.
share[deleted]
Of course I have seen "Above suspicion" You will know why if you go on IMDb's message board and click on "charbnoel-1". Bye bye. nc
shareI LOVE this film! Everything from the all-star performances to the dramatic musical score. An underappreciated classic which broadens its amusement with every watching. Some of the wittiest lines in ABOVE SUSPICION are delivered beneath the breath and can only be enjoyed with an attentive mindset. Current films tend to repeat punch lines and actors tend to mug for the camera when a humorous line is spoken. It's as if the audience is being hit on the head to laugh. Classic movies, particularly from the 1930's and 1940's, tend to be more refined. If you are awake, alert and aware, you will be one of the special folks who truly understand the style of the time. Your enjoyment is only limited by your abilities. If you can comfortably transport yourself back to the era of black and white, you will thoroughly enjoy this honeymoon tale of espionage and patriotism.
share[deleted]
You are only 69 years young, shalimarlady! Yes, these movies are classics! I adore seeing the architecture and the automobiles that were present during the 30's and 40's. Nowadays, every city looks the same, a Starbuck's on every corner and a McDonald's on every bypass. You are so right about the fashions and hairstyles of this time period. Everything has a purity, a shimmering loveliness! I know that times were not perfect (far from it) but our entire nation seemed to band together to fight against the clear evils of the day. Currently, it seems our nation is distracted, apathetic and divided. Also, most contemporary movies can't seem to smoothly blend comedy and drama. ABOVE SUSPICION brings us romance, adventure, wit, music, travel, mystery.... What a great value for the time investment!
I agree. I could watch this movie repeatedly. The dialogue is delightful. Amusing lines fall down like refreshing rain drops on a hot summer day. One of my favorite lines: Richard (Fred MacMurray) asks Francis (Joan Crawford) if she had enough sleep. She responds, "I slept well, but I kept dreaming that I was awake." Thanks for sharing your fondness for this beloved movie!
I do watch this film repeatedly, stored on Tivo. I think it's lots of fun. I like the clever banter between MacMurray and Crawford, I like the sets, the clues, the costumes and especially the character actors that populate every role in this film.
As someone else said earlier if the is was the bottom of MGM's barrel (because it was Crawford's last film under her 16 year contract) it must have been quite a barrel. Far more entertaining than most 2008 films I've seen.
I am also a big fan of this movie. I think it's the last film Crawford made for MGM after 16 years at the studio. I heard they were only throwing inferior projects her way at the end but if this film is the bottom of the MGM barrel, it was quite a barrel.
This film has everything a good 1943 spy film should have: special code words, hidden messages, secret signals, top notch villans (Basil Rathbone), exotic locations (all on the back lot at Culver City), snappy dialogue and a super tag line.
All this is cornball stuff today but back then I'm sure it was state of the art spy stuff. Parts of this film have been hilariously spoofed in 1984s "Top Secret" with Val Kilmer. The scene in the bookstore is great.
Joan and Fred make a good pair and never teamed again. This is a light-hearted spy drama with a good pace and lots of surprises. It's on TCM now and then so if you have a chance, don't miss it.
My favorite actor Conrad Veidt doesn't have enough to do, but what he does is "cherce."
He doesn't have a lot of screen time either, though the performances by Crawford and MacMurray were great, I just wish he was in it more.
"I promise you, before I die I'll surely come to your doorstep"
I love this movie! It always cheers me up :)
shareI love Conrad Veidt! What a shame this was his last picture before he passed away. He was what no longer exists in our society today...a true gentleman, both on the screen and off. A brilliant actor ( try checking out some of his earlier German works at Uffa studios..." The Cabinet of Dr.Calgari" comes to mind). And couragious off the screen. When Hitler came to power, Veidt was a big star at Uffa, who happened to be married to a Jewish woman. He could have easily divorced her and remained in Germany as a star. Instead, he gave up his career there, to start over with his wife in London. When he started making movies again, he contibuted most of his salary to the British war effort. No... you will never see his like again!!
shareGood cast. Silly and pathetic screenplay. Move on.
shareI mostly knew Conrad Veidt from Casablanca. It was nice to see him dancing and smiling.
X
Reasons Why I Believe in God:
http://X-Evolutionist.com/
>>I mostly knew Conrad Veidt from Casablanca. It was nice to see him dancing and smiling.
Oh, Veidt is much more than just Major Strasser from Casablanca. See him in Whistling in the Dark with Red Skelton. It's been a while since they've shown Nazi Agent on TV I think, but that's a fun one, as he plays twin brothers, one good, one evil.
My absolute favorite Veidt performances:
As Jaffar in The Thief of Bagdad (it's on DVD, get it!)
Spy in Black (saddest ending you'll ever see!)
Contraband (Blackout)
The Thunder Child ezine
http://thethunderchild.com
Thank you for the recommendations!
X
Reasons Why I Believe in God:
http://X-Evolutionist.com/