Based loosely on the real-life story of the World War I spy. The exotic dancer uses her contacts in European high society, along with her seductive charm, to collect military secrets during the war. She successfully plays both sides against each other until at last her deceptions catch up with her.
Costume
Feathers, beads, and historical accuracy left at the door.
Acting
Kristel smolders; everyone else reads teleprompters.
Director
Curtis Harrington
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Curtis Harrington was a Roger Corman protégé who later disowned this film, calling it 'a disaster from day one.'
The real Mata Hari was likely a scapegoat rather than a master spy—French military intelligence inflated her importance to cover their own failures. This film buys the myth wholesale.
US
