Lancer Spy
Lancer Spy is a 1937 film about an Englishman (Sanders) who impersonates a German officer, receiving fame upon arriving in Germany. A female German spy (del Río) is instructed to check on him but falls in love with him instead.
Lancer Spy | |
---|---|
Directed by | Gregory Ratoff |
Produced by | Samuel G. Engel executive Darryl F. Zanuck |
Written by | Philip Dunne |
Based on | novel by Marthe McKenna |
Starring | Dolores del Río George Sanders Peter Lorre Virginia Field Sig Ruman |
Cinematography | Barney McGill |
Edited by | Louis R. Loeffler |
Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
Release date |
|
Running time | 78 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Cast
- Dolores del Río as Dolores Daria Sunnel
- George Sanders as Baron Kurt von Rohback and Lt. Michael Bruce
- Peter Lorre as Maj. Sigfried Gruning
- Virginia Field as Joan Bruce
- Sig Ruman as Lt. Col. Gottfried Hollen
- Joseph Schildkraut as Prince Ferdi Zu Schwarzwald
- Maurice Moscovitch as Gen. Von Meinhardt
- Lionel Atwill as Col. Fenwick
- Luther Adler as Schratt
- Fritz Feld as Fritz Mueller
- Lester Matthews as Capt. Neville
- Carlos De Valdez as Von Klingen
- Gregory Gaye as Capt. Freymann
Production
It was based on a story by Marthe McKenna, a Belgian woman who was a spy for England in World War One. She previously wrote I Was a Spy.[1]
Gregory Ratoff signed a contract with 20th Century Fox to write, produce and direct. The film was originally to star Michael Whalen.[2] Eventually George Sanders took the part.
Germaine Aussey, the French actor, was to have made her American debut in the film.[3]
Peter Lorre was cast after his success in Think Fast, Mr Moto.[4] He gave up a contract to make a film with Gaumont British in England; Fox had to buy out this contract.[5]
Colin Clive was cast in early May[6] as Colonel Fenwick.
Filming started mid May 1937.[7] By the end of the month Aussey had been replaced by Dolores del Río.[8]
Colin Clive collapsed during filming and died.[9]
References
- Ratoff Writes Another Good Role for Self Shaffer, George. Chicago Daily Tribune 12 Apr 1937: 15.
- GREGORY RATOFF WILL DIRECT ONE FEATURE AND ACT IN ANOTHER: Marion Claire Likely to Play Breen's Mother Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 9 Apr 1937: 17.
- TWO NEW PICTURES FOR ROLAND DREW New York Times 12 Apr 1937: 15.
- HOLLYWOOD PICKET LINE: The Industry Watches the C. I. O.--Satisfaction--R. Halliburton Flynn By DOUGLAS W. CHURCHILL. New York Times 18 Apr 1937: 169.
- Around and About in Hollywood Read, Kendall. Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]26 June 1937: A7.
- JACK BENNY TO BE ABSENT WHEN WIFE DEBUTS IN PICTURE: Comedians Name 'Fall Guys' as next Vehicle Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]05 May 1937: A10.
- NEW FILM PRODUCTIONS STARTED DURTNG WEEK Los Angeles Times (1923-1995); Los Angeles, Calif. [Los Angeles, Calif]16 May 1937: C1.
- DRAMATIC STORY BY FULOP-MILLER PURCHASED TO STAR BOBBY BREEN: United Artists Assembling New Film Units Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times 28 May 1937: 19.
- Stage and Film Career The Scotsman (1921-1950); Edinburgh, Scotland [Edinburgh, Scotland]26 June 1937: 17.