During the late 1940s and into the 1950s, Joseph Mankiewicz was probably the most successful man in Hollywood--directing and writing such amazing films as "A Letter to Three Wives", "All About Eve" and "House of Strangers". However, by the time he made "Five Fingers", Mankiewicz was at the end of his contract with Twentieth Century- Fox--and it sure was an excellent farewell.
This movie is based on real events, though a few changes were made for cinematic purposes. James Mason plays a valet in the British embassy in Turkey during WWII and he's a completely trusted but totally amoral man. To earn money for his retirement, the guy approaches the Nazis and offers to sell them secrets.
What is most interesting about this movie is that you see just how stupid the Nazis and the Brits. Despite repeatedly giving them excellent information, again and again the Nazis didn't trust it and didn't take advantage of it. As for the Brits, you wouldn't think that they'd let an Albanian valet to have such access to secrets! Still, it's a very fascinating story--one that is well made and well worth your time.
This movie is based on real events, though a few changes were made for cinematic purposes. James Mason plays a valet in the British embassy in Turkey during WWII and he's a completely trusted but totally amoral man. To earn money for his retirement, the guy approaches the Nazis and offers to sell them secrets.
What is most interesting about this movie is that you see just how stupid the Nazis and the Brits. Despite repeatedly giving them excellent information, again and again the Nazis didn't trust it and didn't take advantage of it. As for the Brits, you wouldn't think that they'd let an Albanian valet to have such access to secrets! Still, it's a very fascinating story--one that is well made and well worth your time.