Spione seems like a spin off of the great and amazing Dr. Mabuse, der Spieler of six years earlier. Look at the parallels: both stories are about diabolical masterminds (Mabuse/Haghi) who commit grand crimes against society involving sabotage and high finance, carried out by a small army of agents planted in all the right places at the right time. The mastermind in both cases is played by Rudolf Klein-Rogge. Both films kick off with a spectacularly filmed theft of top secret contracts or treaties. In both films the criminal uses or kidnaps beautiful young women who are rescued by the hero in a cliffhanging climax. The main difference between Spione and its predecessor is the increased use of technology and gadgetry: everything from sophisticated radio and telephonic networks to a miniature lapel camera and of course invisible ink. Spione has more rapid action and no formal structure, but as a result is somewhat confusing. But as long as you know who the good guy is you can root for him, even if you're not quite sure what he's up to from scene to scene.
Among the colorful cast is a gorgeous young actress named Lien Deyers as one of Haghi's minions who tricks a Japanese spy (Lupu Pick) out of his secret documents; she inexplicably faded into obscurity after this film. The main female star, Gerda Maurus, does very well in a demanding role as Haghi's main agent who falls in love with the enemy and pays dearly for the insubordination. Willy Fritsch is less macho than his "Mabuse" counterpart Bernhard Goetzke, but quite charming and persuasive as a government spy who first appears in disguise as a scruffy tramp. Fritz Rasp lends his well-honed creepiness to the role of an agent named Jellusic who is based on Col. Redl of Austria-Hungary.
Spione is packed to the brim with mechanical cleverness and striking visual variety but it lacks one vital component: originality of plot and concept. It copies too much from Mabuse. Not the best of Fritz Lang. But even lesser Lang is better than the best of most other directors.
Among the colorful cast is a gorgeous young actress named Lien Deyers as one of Haghi's minions who tricks a Japanese spy (Lupu Pick) out of his secret documents; she inexplicably faded into obscurity after this film. The main female star, Gerda Maurus, does very well in a demanding role as Haghi's main agent who falls in love with the enemy and pays dearly for the insubordination. Willy Fritsch is less macho than his "Mabuse" counterpart Bernhard Goetzke, but quite charming and persuasive as a government spy who first appears in disguise as a scruffy tramp. Fritz Rasp lends his well-honed creepiness to the role of an agent named Jellusic who is based on Col. Redl of Austria-Hungary.
Spione is packed to the brim with mechanical cleverness and striking visual variety but it lacks one vital component: originality of plot and concept. It copies too much from Mabuse. Not the best of Fritz Lang. But even lesser Lang is better than the best of most other directors.