Contraband Spain Explained

Contraband Spain
Director:Lawrence Huntington
Julio Salvador
Producer:Ernest Gartside
Based On:a story by Lawrence Huntington
Starring:Richard Greene
Anouk Aimée
Michael Denison
Cinematography:Harry Waxman
Music:Edwin Astley
Editing:Tom Simpson
Studio:Balcázar Producciones Cinematográficas
Diadem Films
Distributor:Associated British-Pathé (UK)
Runtime:78 minutes
Country:United Kingdom
Language:English

Contraband Spain is a 1955 crime film written and directed by Lawrence Huntington and starring Richard Greene, Anouk Aimée and Michael Denison.[1] Its Spanish title is Contrabando.

Plot

A United States Department of the Treasury agent works against smugglers on the border between Spain and France. He has a personal interest as his brother who was part of the gang was murdered by them. The gang smuggles watches into Spain and brings counterfeit American money into England that is used to buy gold that is melted down and shipped to Continental Europe.

Cast

Christopher Lee provides uncredited narration in the film.

Locations

The film features locations in Barcelona, including La Rambla in the opening images. Later, when Richard Greene follows the villains (both travelling in taxis), they get out in Plaza Real with its arcaded pavements.

The seaside town of Blanes also appears, and there is much driving to and from the French town of Urdos over the border from Girona province.[2]

Critical reception

TV Guide wrote, "a lot of action against beautiful continental backgrounds makes up for weaknesses in plot structure" ;[3] while Allmovie called it a "fast-paced espionager."[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Contraband - Spain. https://web.archive.org/web/20090114063544/http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/29939. dead. 2009-01-14. BFI.
  2. Web site: Contraband Spain (1955). 17 November 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141129013832/http://www.silver-screen-spain.com/index.php/film-index/item/54-contraband-spain-1955. 29 November 2014. dead.
  3. Web site: Contraband Spain. TV Guide. 17 November 2014. 29 November 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141129131137/http://movies.tvguide.com/contraband-spain/review/111466. dead.
  4. Web site: Contraband Spain (1955) - Trailers, Reviews, Synopsis, Showtimes and Cast - AllMovie. AllMovie. 17 November 2014. 9 May 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140509104237/http://www.allmovie.com/movie/contraband-spain-v87818. live.