State Secret

The third film from the 1950s I've watched recently, and despite being the oldest of the three, it was by far the best. Unlike the previous two, which were more intimate dramas, this was a full-fledged movie with an Orwellian storyline. The totalitarian state was predictably set in Eastern Europe, reflecting the reality of that era. However, it's alarming that many of the methods Orwell warned about are increasingly used in the West and have proliferated across the Atlantic in a country that prides itself as the cradle of democracy and freedom. Today, this "cradle" bans books, the presumption of innocence is virtually gone, and I wouldn't be surprised if bonfires fueled by copies of Orwell's 1984 soon appear. But back to the film. It had its cult figure, Colonel Galcon, who probably slept with Machiavelli's "The Prince" on his nightstand, a desperate surgeon, and a damsel in distress. It was an intriguing encounter with an adventure film set in a totalitarian state, featuring subtle humor and showcasing Herbert Lom's exceptional acting skills. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, which was an unexpected delight. So, I'm giving this nostalgic piece four stars. / Lesson learned: Think twice before accepting enticing offers from police states. (27.06.2024)