The younger brother of an officer in a secret government code-breaking unit gets involved with a gang of spies and a beautiful double agent.
Production
Depression-era budget spy gear that somehow looks more convincing than modern CGI.
Acting
Gustav von Seyffertitz practically twirls an invisible mustache as villain Albert Grood.
Director
Charles Lamont
Leon Ames
Maj. Philip Waring
Charlotte Wynters
Helen Lane
Joan Woodbury
Therese Brahm
Don Dillaway
Paul Waring
Gustav von Seyffertitz
Albert Grood
Tenen Holtz
Simon Herrick
Si Wills
Lt. Clarke
George Lynn
Lt. Tydall (as Peter Lynn)
Jason Robards Sr.
Ellsworth
Sidney Miller
Jimmy
Hooper Atchley
Cmdr. Nash
Robert Frazer
Paul's Counsel
Bobby Barber
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released in 1938, this rode the wave of American anxiety about encryption technology and foreign infiltration—years before actual wartime codebreaking at Bletchley Park became public knowledge.
Director Charles Lamont would abandon spy thrillers for Abbott and Costello comedies within two years, which explains the tonal whiplash between 'deadly serious' and 'whoops, accidental espionage.'
US
