Movie Review - Spies (1928 - Germany)

This loving restoration of Fritz Lang's film puts back pieces gathered from several existing versions into as close a look as we can get of his original vision, and it's a doozy!

How wonderful to watch an evil villain/mastermind story as convoluted as any James Bond picture told almost entirely in visual imagery. Think about how difficult that is to do and you'll get a handle on Lang's genius. While there are admittedly more title cards in this picture than in an average silent film, they aren't intrusive and don’t distract from the terrific set design and action sequences. You're a smart person, I won't insult your intelligence by qualifying that statement with the usual disclaimers: "a good movie IF you like silent films" or "action sequences that are cool considering it was shot in 1928". Sure, it's old. Yes, the acting is typical of the era--pantomime gestures and stage effect makeup. Get over it already! This is a good movie, fun to watch, not just for film buffs, and I have no qualms about saying that.

Highly recommended--no disclaimers required.

(I am an artist and the author of the Suburban Sprawl series of novels as well as two nonfiction books. Find out more about my work at RobertaLeeArt.com.)

Copyright © Roberta Lee 2012. All rights reserved.

Genres:
Foreign, Silent Films, Germany,

Rated: None

Running Time: 143 min.

In Theaters: 1928 (Germany), 10 March 1929 (USA)

Directed By: Fritz Lang

Written By: Fritz Lang, Thea von Harbou

Cast:

Rudolf Klein-Rogge - Haghi

Gerda Maurus - Sonya Baranilkowa

Lien Deyers - Kitty

Louis Ralph - Hans Morrier

Craighall Sherry- Burton Jason / Miles Jason

Willy Fritsch - No. 326

Paul Hörbiger - Chauffeur Franz

Hertha von Walther - Lady Leslane