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Contraband (1940)

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Average Rating: 7.2/10
Reviews Counted: 5
Fresh: 5 | Rotten: 0

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Critic Reviews: 1
Fresh: 1 | Rotten: 0

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Movie Info

The Danish freighter Helvig approaches English waters in early 1940 and, in keeping with the needs of British security, it is boarded by customs and naval officials in search of contraband cargo. Her skipper, Captain Anderson (Conrad Veidt), is compelled to ascede to British demands, but dreads the delay, pointing out that the medical supplies in his cargo are vital. Anderssen is a dedicated seaman, all business, even where Mrs. Sorenson (Valerie Hobson), a headstrong passenger, is concerned.

Unrated, 1 hr. 32 min.

Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

Directed By: Michael Powell

Written By: Emeric Pressburger

In Theaters: Nov 29, 1940 Wide

On DVD: Apr 24, 2001

Kino on Video

Contraband Trailer & Photos

Cast

Conrad Veidt
Capt. Anderson
Valerie Hobson
Mrs. Sorenson
Hay Petrie
Axel Skold/Erik Skold
Joss Ambler
Lieutenant Commander As...
Raymond Lovell
Van Dyne
Esmond Knight
Mr. Pidgeon
Charles Victor
Hendrick
Dennis Arundell
Lieman
Harold Warrender
Lieutenant Commander El...
John H. Roberts
Hanson
Eric Berry
Mr. Abo
Olga Edwardes
Mrs. Abo
Paddy Browne
Singer
Mark Daly
Taxi driver
Leo Genn
1st Brother Grimm
Eric Hales
Second Karoly
Deborah Kerr
Bit Part (uncredited)
Stuart Latham
2nd Brother Grimm
John Longden
Passport Officer
Eric Maturin
Passport Officer
Bernard Miles
Man lighting pipe
Torin Thatcher
Sailor
Julien Vedey
Waiter
Manning Whiley
Manager of "Mousetrap"
Peter Bull
3rd Brother Grimm

Critic Reviews for Contraband

All Critics (11) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (5) | Rotten (0) | DVD (10)

The story traces the gradual erosion of the Dane's neutrality in the face of menace, but Powell's freewheeling camera can't be stilled by patriotic piety

November 17, 2009 Full Review Source: CinePassion

| Comment

Fernando F. Croce

CinePassion

A first-rate, cleverly photographed WWII thriller from the great pair of Powell and Pressburger.

November 5, 2003 Comment

Dan Lybarger

Nitrate Online

It was strange to see Veidt in a romantic hero role.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

| Comment

Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

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Audience Reviews for Contraband

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An entertaining British Spy Thriller from Powell and Pressburger which is clearly influenced by Hitchcock (The 39 Steps, The Lady Vanishes). The leads Conrad Veidt and Valerie Hobson work brilliantly together and there's even a little bit of bondage thrown in (yes, really!)

June 27, 2008

Emily B.

Super Reviewer

Contraband is one of my favorite obscure treasures. Bolstered by quirky characters, lots of comedy, and an unlikely romance. Conrad Veidt and little known character actor Hay Petrie are given a chance to shine. There is a most unusual moment in this film, with the two tied to a pillar that is unlike anything else

March 3, 2009