Contraband (1940)

Released in the United States under the title Blackout, Contraband is an early Powell/ Pressburger World War II movie, a subject and setting which the writing and directing duo would return to numerous times with more memorable movies. Set in the early months of the war this movie has a strong "quota quickie" feeling to it, is very dry in a distinctly British kind of way, and is in no hurry to get where it is going. A nominal thriller, though it really doesn't feel all the much like one until towards the end, the film star Conrad Veidt as the hero, a Danish sea captain, and one of my favorite lesser knowen leading ladies Valerie Hobson as the love interest. The night club brawl at the end, and indeed any scene with the staff of the Danish restaurant The Three Vikings, the standout and most P & P part of the movie. Tonally a lesser cousin of Night Train to Munich **1/2