Review of The Conspirators (1944) by Craig E — 23 Jan 2015

Negulesco continues his string of exceptional thrillers for Warners in the 1940s. The parallels to Casablanca(1942) are hard to miss and while a direct comparison would not favor this film, it is an interesting exercise.

The cinematography under Arthur Edeson is beautiful, especially showcased in the shadowy dealings of the Lisbon underground and a memorable final chase scene. Lamar is radiant and Henreid is capable, though a bit too harried throughout the film.

Peter Lorre and Syndey Greenstreet add some much needed character to the underground cell and Joseph Callelia is a standout as a police captain who has no love for the Nazis but is forced to uphold his country's neutrality as a back alley war rages in his city.

Though the love story is a bit tepid, the main plot will keep the viewer interested, especially if they are a fan of the 40s Warner thrillers.