Conspirator (1949)

52% of users liked it
(209 ratings)

Elizabeth Taylor played her first grown-up romantic lead in the Anglo-American melodrama Conspirator. Taylor portrays Melinda Greyton, the new bride of highly respected Major Michael Curraugh (Robert Taylor). It comes as quite a jolt when Melinda learns that her husband is actually a spy for the… More Elizabeth Taylor played her first grown-up romantic lead in the Anglo-American melodrama Conspirator. Taylor portrays Melinda Greyton, the new bride of highly respected Major Michael Curraugh (Robert Taylor). It comes as quite a jolt when Melinda learns that her husband is actually a spy for the communists (ironically, Robert Taylor had been one of the friendliest of friendly witnesses during the HUAC hearings.) Much of the film takes place in a picturesque Welsh village, an unusual setting for a tense espionage yarn. Reversing the usual MGM "tailor the story to the stars" formula, the storyline in Conspirator is sometimes more compelling than its leading players. Still, Liz Taylor acquitted herself nicely, proving that she'd have little difficulty tackling meaty dramatic roles in future films. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 27 min.
Directed By: Victor Saville
Genres: Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

In Theaters: Dec 9, 1949 Wide
On DVD: May 26, 1993
Studio: Warner Bros

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
In the unfolding of the major theme the story lacks dramatic intensity, and little effort is made to justify the action of the central character.
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
The anguish of a young wife who discovers that her husband is a Soviet spy becomes an occasion of torment for all of us before the Capitol's new film runs its course.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
A depressing film that might have made more sense with a screenplay by someone like Graham Greene.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
An utterly dreadful spy/romance tale.