
There is a problem with foreign nationals using Cuba as a convenient jumping off point for illegal entry into the United States. So U.S. Immigration Service Agent Peter Karczag (John Hodiak) is sent to Havana posing as a Hungarian frustrated with the legal immigration process and open to an alternative. By this means he uncovers the human smuggling ring run by Palinov (George Macready). He also meets concentration-camp refugee Marianne Lorress (Hedy Lamarr), a Viennese workin... (Full plot summary below)
Enjoy FREE movies and series with your Prime (USA) subscription or when you start a 30-day free trial!
Links compiled using automated software. Availability of offers subject to change / might be region specific / out of date.
There is a problem with foreign nationals using Cuba as a convenient jumping off point for illegal entry into the United States. So U.S. Immigration Service Agent Peter Karczag (John Hodiak) is sent to Havana posing as a Hungarian frustrated with the legal immigration process and open to an alternative. By this means he uncovers the human smuggling ring run by Palinov (George Macready). He also meets concentration-camp refugee Marianne Lorress (Hedy Lamarr), a Viennese working in a nightclub and one who has paid to be smuggled into the United States. When Karczag falls in love with her, he becomes conflicted, not wanting her to be among those he plans to have captured in his operation. So he tries to persuade her to stay in Cuba instead of being secretly flown to the United States. Will he succeed? What if his cover is blown?
Leave your thoughts about A Lady Without Passport.
| Classic Film and TelevisionMichael E. GrostVisually creative mix of tropical adventure and procedural crime tale. |
| User ReviewBo HReleased the same year as his masterpiece GUN CRAZY (1950), Joseph H. Lewis almost matches those dizzy heights with A LADY WITHOUT A PASSPORT. In fact the latter is almost the formalist double of the former. Both films end in fog shrouded settings which create unnerving images and both contain over the top long-takes filmed from the back of cars. The long-take in A LADY is only one minute but it's as impressive. The camera manages to move backwards, reframe, then a few seconds later it moves forward and does a 90 degree turn. I have no idea how they did this.' |
| User ReviewAllan CJoseph H. Lewis directed this solid little noir about Hedy Lamarr trying to leave Cuba. Lamarr finds herself being used as bait by federal agents trying to break a smuggling ring, but the man using her, of course, begins to fall for the beautiful Lamarr. It's a somewhat stodgy melodrama, but Lamarr is always a treat to watch and Lewis brings enough style to hold your interest. George Macready has a supporting role and this film was also the film debut of Steven Hill (that Law & Order) who I had no idea had been acting that long. David Raksin provided a a fine score for the film. |
| User Reviewjay nHedy is gorgeous as ever but this loses steam after a promising beginning. |