djpass-970-978643

This series contains inherently interesting material about the Special Operations Executive which operated in occupied territory during the second world war. To the credit of the producers, there is a minimum of the "talking head" shots so often seen in programs of this type. The problem is that there are not, of course, a lot of archival footage of spies at work. Much of the film is taken from "Now It Can Be Told" and "School for Danger." (I've seen the former and recommend it.) But you will see the same shots repeatedly in various episodes. I noticed Jacqueline Nearne jump out of the same plane three times in one episode. Also, some episodes are repetitive which I imagine was necessary to fill the hour. All in all, it would have been better as 40 minute radio programs.

This little comedy reminded me a bit of 1975's "Hearts of the West." It's the story of an aspiring--but not very good--writer who finds his niche in the world of pre-war pulp magazines. This is a decidedly B movie. There are only a few sets and a few speaking parts. Albert Dekker and Charles Butterworth are suitably sleazy as the magazine publishers. In the background is Marion Martin as Butterworth's girlfriend "Baby." She sits in the background, dozes, and pops her eyes. You know that eventually she's going to speak, and finally she does. It's worth 72 minutes for anyone interested in old movies and the shoestring publishing businesses of the past.