Of all the Fritz Lang films I have seen, this may be the one that I was least enamored with. Gary Cooper seems miscast as an atomic scientist (Prof. Alvah Jesper), who is sent to Europe by the OSS to rescue other scientists who are being forced to cooperate with the Nazi atom bomb project. During his mission, he becomes involved with the Italian resistance, falling for plucky Gina (Lilli Palmer). I've read that Lang originally shot this film emphasizing the dangers of atomic power, but Warner re-edited and it fails to have any direction. It still shows a few Lang-esque moments, but this is only recommended for his most devout following as it really lacks any punch... or his signature panache.
展开
