I See a Dark Stranger

source: I See a Dark Stranger

Trailer—I See a Dark Stranger

I See a Dark Stranger

Deborah Kerr is an Irish country lass brought up on her father's romanticised view of his heroic struggle against the English. She leaves home for Dublin, where she wants to join the IRA, but is recruited by the Germans. She gets entangled with Trevor Howard, a British officer, and conflicting loyalties ensue for both. It's a classy piece, finely acted, atmospherically shot. There's suspense, humour, romance, and a strong plot. Kerr lives up to the three-dimensional role, and the rest of the cast give sterling support. Well worthwhile.

I SEE A DARK STRANGER is an interesting little spy thriller from the period, quite unusually featuring an anti-heroine as the lead character. Later Hollywood starlet Deborah Kerr puts in a top job as a committed young Irish nationalist who ends up spying for her side during WW2, romancing Trevor Howard as part of the scheme. It's fairly dated as are many features from this era, but the uniqueness of the situation along with the usual exemplary performances you see in British cinema (Raymond Huntley is particularly strong here) make it worthwhile.

Deborah Kerr (as in star) as the trailer says is usually thought of in almost matronly fashion since she's brought strength and dignity to so many roles as a veteran performer. Here you see her in younger days. She's a wild and bewitching Irish rose, marvelous as the brassy Bridey Kiltie, hater of all things English. Buoyed by Kerr, Trevor Howard and a wonderful British-Irish cast,this film makes you feel like you're right back there in UK during the war. Only you're not flying off to punish the Germans. It's a homefront thing. The movie is more drama than mystery but it's enthralling all the same with humor and style to burn. Among the great characters are a pair of British officers, Captain Goodhusband (Garry Marsh) and Lt. Spanswick(Tom Macaulay)who come along to steal the film in their portrayal as oh-so-very-English middle-aged officers.

Frank Launder directs an enjoyable comedic drama starring the lovely Deborah Kerr, who plays Bridie, an unsophisticated Irish lass with an inherited hatred toward the British. When she reaches 21, she leaves her tiny village and travels alone to Dublin in hopes of signing up to fight the British only to find out that Ireland is not exactly fighting the Brits at all. She returns home disappointed, but still full of fight. Somehow she gets involved with a Nazi secret agent and agrees to carryout his mission against their common foe. Scenery and atmosphere fitting with the intrigue. Kerr is excellent and has a way of playing comedy with a straight face. Or maybe its just the role that lacks sophistication. There is no doubt about her camera appeal. Also starring are: Trevor Howard, Raymond Huntley, Norman Shelley, Tom Macaulay and Liam Redmond.