Journey into Fear (1943)

February 9, 2024 8:31 AM

An American engineer in Istanbul, Howard Graham (Joseph Cotten), becomes the target of a Nazi assassination due to his involvement in improving the Turkish navy. With the help of police Colonel Haki (Orson Welles), Graham escapes from his hotel to board a ship to safety, leaving behind his wife (Ruth Warrick). On board, he encounters a number of passengers, including the dancer Josette Martel (Dolores del Río). However, the passenger Peter Banat (Jack Moss) is not who he appears to be.

Also starring Agnes Moorehead, Everett Sloane, Jack Durant, Eustace Wyatt, Hans Conreid.

Directed by Norman Foster. Screenplay by Joseph Cotten with Orson Welles (uncredited in some versions). Based on the novel of the same name by Eric Ambler. Produced by Orson Welles (uncredited) for Mercury/RKO. Cinematography by Karl Struss. Edited by Mark Robson. Music by Roy Webb.

73% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Although I ususally only post things that are streaming, this is one you'll need a physical copy to see... unless you could find peers to share the file, er, film with you.

posted by DirtyOldTown (1 comment total)

I am gradually working my way through all of the Welles films. This one is harder to come by. Though if you have a VPN (very particular need), you can probably find a torrent of options.

Story: 8/10. Fun, interesting. brisk.
Length: 10/10. 68 minutes!
Direction: 5.5/10, occasionally stylish, but abrupt, rushed. Like watching a filmed dress rehearsal with some scenes omitted.
Cast: 10/10.
Orson's Fake Nose: 8.5/10.
Pronunciation of the Romanian city Iași: 1/10.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:33 AM on February 9