Confessions of a Nazi Spy
1939 · Movie · NR · 104 min · ★ 6.1 · 58% critics
As war tensions rise overseas, an FBI agent investigates a network of pro-Nazi operatives working inside the United States. Using surveillance, interrogations, and the courts, the case exposes how propaganda and intimidation can spread in plain sight—and tests the country’s commitment to free speech, due process, and democracy.
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Details
- Years
- 1939
- Release date
- 1939-05-06
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 104 min
- Critic score
- 58/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.1/10 (34 votes)
About
If you enjoy brisk, fact-based spy hunts with a strong political message, this early anti-Nazi thriller may work for you; Not for you if you dislike propaganda-heavy storytelling or speechifying, like in The Battle of Russia.
Pros: gripping investigation; timely anti-Nazi warning; strong lead performance | Cons: heavy-handed messaging; preachy courtroom speeches; uneven pacing early
Themes
- new york city
- spy
- fbi
- fascist
- based on true story
- german american
- nazi spy
- nazi hunter
- government secrets
- industrial espionage
- nazi saboteurs
- pre-war
- +6 more
Awards & recognition
- National Board of Review Award — Best Film
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
Cast & crew
Edward G. Robinson
as Edward 'Ed' Renard
Francis Lederer
as Kurt Schneider
George Sanders
as Franz Schlager
Paul Lukas
as Dr. Kassell
Henry O'Neill
as Attorney Kellogg
Dorothy Tree
as Hilda Kleinhauer
Lya Lys
as Erika Wolf
Grace Stafford
as Mrs. Schneider
James Stephenson
as British Military Intelligence Agent
Hedwiga Reicher
as Mrs. Kassell
Directed by Anatole Litvak