I See a Dark Stranger (The Adventuress) (1946)

83% of users liked it
(256 ratings)

I See a Dark Stranger manages to be both an absorbing espionage yarn and a slyly amusing send-up of the entire genre. Deborah Kerr is terrific as Irish colleen Bridie Quilty, raised from childhood to despise the British and everything they stand for. Bridie's anglophobia proves useful to Nazi spy… More I See a Dark Stranger manages to be both an absorbing espionage yarn and a slyly amusing send-up of the entire genre. Deborah Kerr is terrific as Irish colleen Bridie Quilty, raised from childhood to despise the British and everything they stand for. Bridie's anglophobia proves useful to Nazi spy Miller (Raymond Huntley), who hopes to use the girl to help him steal the plans for the D-day invasion. Playing her "Mata Hari" role to the hilt, Bridie wholeheartedly throws herself into a world of clandestine meetings and coded messages, certain that by helping the Germans she is also helping Mother Ireland. Eventually she realizes the error of her ways, enabling her to turn the tables on Miller and his co-conspirators. Trevor Howard co-stars as David Baynes, with whom the impulsive Bridie falls in love despite his English forebears. I See a Dark Stranger was released in the U.S. as The Adventuress. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 52 min.
Directed By: Frank Launder
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense, Classics

In Theaters: Apr 3, 1947 Wide
On DVD: Jan 21, 2003
Studio: Odeon Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A wonderfully realized, well-crafted and highly entertaining British espionage thriller.
David Sanjek, PopMatters
A gleeful amalgam of hijinks and heroism.
Marty Mapes, Movie Habit
If HVe's sister label Criterion had released this DVD under their banner, there would be more extra features and greater discussion about the film's importance.
Marty Mapes, Movie Habit
The film isn't a masterpiece; it is merely a lot of fun
Wade Major, Boxoffice Magazine
The film that brought Kerr to the attention of Hollywood, and with good reason.
Brent Simon, Entertainment Today
Roughly plotted, but still a good bit of fun overall for its era, buoyed by some fun banter.

Read all 6 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

Not great, but a good spy movie with romance and danger, but not enough excitement.

Cast

            Deborah Kerr as Birdie Quilty

            Trevor Howard as Lt. David Baynes

            Raymond Huntley as Miller

            Garry Marsh as Capt. Goodhusband

            Tom Macauley as Lt. Spanswick

            W.G. O'Gorrnan as Danny Quilty

            Harry Webster as Uncle Joe

            Liam Redmond as Timothy

            Marie Ault as Mrs. O'Mara

            Brefni O'Rourke as Michael O'Callaghan

            Olga Lindo as Mrs. Edwards

            Eddie Golden as Terence Delaney

            David Ward as Oscar Pryce

            Kathleen Boutall as Women on Train

            Gerald Case as Col. Dennington

            Everley Gregg
            
            James Harcourt as Grandfather

            Kathleen Harrison as Waitress

            Michael Howard as Hawkins

            Harry Hutchinson as Chief Mourner

            Katie Johnson as Old Lady

            John Salew as Man in Bookshop

            Norman Shelley as Man in Straw Hat

            Torin Thatcher as Policeman

            David Tomlinson as Intelligence Officer

            George Woodbridge as Steve

            Kenneth Buckley as RTO

            William G. O'Gorman
            
See full cast