Blackout (1940)

Not Rated   |    |  Crime, Drama, Romance

Blackout (1940) Poster

Early in World War II, Danish sea captain Andersen, delayed in a British port, tangles with German spies.

6.9/10
994
Rate
Critic Reviews

Photos

  • Valerie Hobson and Conrad Veidt in Blackout (1940)
  • Valerie Hobson in Blackout (1940)
  • Blackout (1940)
  • Blackout (1940)
  • Blackout (1940)

See all photos

Get More From IMDb

For an enhanced browsing experience, get the IMDb app on your smartphone or tablet.

Get the IMDb app
Facebook
Twitter
E-mail

Reviews & Commentary

Add a Review

User Reviews
12 April 2000 | ekarle
Marvelous light-hearted spy adventure
The plot is well paced and fun, although a bit convoluted. But, Conrad Veidt and Valerie Hobson are the hidden pleasures in this film. She's beautiful and witty. He's tall (very), handsome, and debonaire. Together they're very sexy: their relationship here is reminiscent of that of William Powell and Myrna Loy in the Thin Man and Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint in North-By-Northwest. The scene in which they break the bonds in which the villains have tied them is wonderfully erotic. Above all, Contraband demonstrates how film makers (outside of Powell and Pressberger) missed the boat in not taking advantage of Veidt's sophisticated persona, understated acting skills, and comedic flair.

Critic Reviews

Did You Know?

Trivia

Michael Powell's golden cocker spaniels Erik and Spangle make their first appearance on film at the house of the aunt of Mrs. Sorensen.

Quotes

Captain Anderson: The bigger the ship, the smaller the adventure. The smaller the ship, the bigger the adventure. But you wouldn't understand that. Because you have childish ideas about life. Because like so many women you live only for little excitements like, er...
Mrs.Sorensen: ...

Crazy Credits

"White Negro" caberet designed & executed by Hedley Briggs.

Alternate Versions

Eight minutes were cut from Contraband for its U.S. release; some just snips here and there, others more major. The most regrettable loss is the opening minutes of Veidt's and Hobson's table scene at the Three Vikings Restaurant, which in the U.S. version begins at the point when Veidt and Hobson begin drinking together and look at Veidt's watch. Another cut sequence shows black male dancers and white female dancers in a nightclub production number [The "White Negro" cabaret designed & executed by Hedley Briggs], a racial combination that would have outraged much of white America at the time, especially in the Southern states.

Soundtracks

Danish Song
(uncredited)
Written by John Greenwood

Storyline

Plot Summary

Genres

Crime | Drama | Romance | Thriller | War

Details

Release Date:

29 November 1940

Language

English, Danish

Country of Origin

UK

Filming Locations

Chester Square, Belgravia, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

GBP47,000 (estimated)

Contribute to this page

Getting Started | Contributor Zone  »

The Evolution of "Cyberpunk 2077" Star Keanu Reeves

From River's Edge to "Cyberpunk 2077" take a look back at the career of Keanu Reeves.

See the full gallery

Around The Web

 | 

Powered by ZergNet

More To Explore

Search on Amazon.com