Spies (1928)
Synopsis of Spies
Spies (Spione) was the first independent production of German "thriller" director Fritz Lang. The years-ahead-of-its-time plotline involves Russian espionage activity in London. The mastermind is Haghi (Rudolph Klein-Rogge), a supposedly respectable carnival sideshow entertainer. Heading the good guys is Agent 326 (Willy Fritsch), with the help of defecting Russian spy Sonya (Gerda Maurus). The film moves swiftly to several potential climaxes, each one more exciting than its predecessor. Haghi's ultimate demise is a superbly staged Pirandellian vignette. Anticipating Citizen Kane by a dozen years, director Lang dispenses with all transitional dissolves and fade-outs, flat-cutting territory from one scene to another. The film was co-scripted by Lang and his then-wife Thea Von Harbou. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Theatrical Feature Running Time:
- 143 mins
Complete Cast of Spies
- Rudolf Klein-Rogge - Haghi
- Lien Deyers - Kitty
- Willy Fritsch - No. 326 (Det. Donald Tremaine, English version)
- Lupu Pick - Mosimoto (Matsumoto, English Version)
- Grete Berger
- Julius Falkenstein - Hotel Manager
- Rose Valetti
- Hermann Vallentin
- Georg John - Train Conductor
- Gerda Maurus - Sonya Barranikowa
- Craighall Sherry - Secret Service Chief
- Louis Ralph - Hans Morriera
- Fritz Rasp - Col. Jellusic (Ivan Stepanov, English version)
- Hertha Von Walther - Lady Leslane
- Paul Rehkopf - Strolch
- Hans Heinrich Von Twardowski - Chief Jason's Secretary (Spy)
- Paul Hoerbiger - Franz (326's Valet/Chauffeur)
- Director(s):
- Fritz Lang
- Writer(s):
- Fritz Lang, Thea von Harbou
- Producer(s):
- Fritz Lang, Erich Pommer
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