REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 September 1939, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

“CONFESSIONS OF A NAZI SPY.”

Without doubt one of the most daring films to see light in the last decade is “Confessions of a Nazi Spy,” which will be shown tonight at the Regent Theatre. The title, “Confessions of a Nazi Spy,” tells the story, but beyond the story lies a deeper and fuller menace.- A fictional account, “Confessions of a Nazi Spy” was inspired by revelations contained in the recent Nazi spy trials held in New York, Los Angeles, and the Panama Canal Zone. Leon G. Turrou, former G-man, who secured the conviction of a number of admitted Nazi spies, acted as technical adviser of the film, which lends some idea as to its authenticity, despite the fact that the events are fictional. A gripping, powerfully-per-formed drama, “Confessions of a Nazi Spy” brings home the grim realisation that the menace is still here. It will bring home the appalling fact that a country or countries supposedly on friendly terms with the United States have been, and, in all probability, still are, carrying on subversive espionage activities directly aiming at undermining the military and democratic institutions of the nation. Edward G. Robinson, playing the role of an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who leads the spy ring smashing activity, carries off acting honours, although it may be said that the supporting cast does an inspired job. Francis Lederer, a former resident of Czechoslovakia and one of the leaders in peace activities in Hollywood, takes a leading role, the first unsympathetic one in his career. Lya Lys, 1 a foreign actress making her Hollywood debut, stands out as a new threat in the glamour ranks. Paul Lukas. Dorothy Tree, Henry O’Neill, and George Sanders also have strong roles.