Betty Compson is fun to watch as a spy during World War One. The movie isn’t bad but then….there’s that ending.
Germany 1914. Jane Gershon (Betty Compson) has fallen for Eric Woodhouse (Ralph Forbes) in only seven days. She tells him she has to go to London. She won’t tell him why. She reports to German intelligence. She’s assigned to go to Gibraltar and get the key to a mine field under the harbor. When the British fleet sails they’ll explode. The key is part of an elaborate safe that could electrocute anyone who doesn’t know how to exactly operate it.
The safe is in the home of General Crandall. Jane poses as a violin player Lady Crandall knew seven years ago. When her boat docks a man in front of her is recognized as a spy and is arrested. She waits in a hotel for Crandall’s aide Archie to pick her up and take her to the house. While waiting the maitre d’hotel takes her into his office. Turns out he’s also a German spy. He gives her complete details on her assignment. She doesn’t notice that there’s a man watching her in the lobby.
The man tells Crandall that Jane isn’t who she seems. His Hindu servant Amahdi (Mischa Auer) listens in. Crandall doesn’t believe it. That night at the house Jane is playing the violin. She’s introduced to Crandall’s guest…Captain Eric Woodhouse. He doesn’t let on they know each other. Crandall gives Jane a test just to make sure she is who she says she is.
There are some surprises in store before it’s all over. No need to spoil them. I will say the ending may have you wonder what the “writers” were thinking.
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