Background to Danger

This is an adaptation of an Eric Ambler novel, but is not particularly faithful to the book. I did enjoy seeing what was changed and what wasn't, though. It's a fairly average spy/mystery movie--not especially great, but relatively entertaining, with most of the entertainment coming from Peter Lorre and Brenda Marshall.

Interesting Hitchcock-lite premise is quickly squandered as cadres of double agents swarm over WWII Turkey. Peter Lorre is good and Raft is alright in doses, but the film's plotting doubles back a few too many times for my taste.

George Raft accidentally gets caught in a web of international espionage, being chased by the cast of The Maltese Falcon (1941)... almost. Two groups. One headed by the fat man Sydney Greenstreet, the other by Peter Lorre. And that carries the conflict through a entertaining cat and mouse chase, even if it's never really gains the suspense such films are known for.