Secret Agent of Japan


Secret Agent of Japan is a 1942 film directed by Irving Pichel and starring Preston Foster. It was the first American anti-Japanese war film produced by a major studio after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Plot

A nightclub owner in Shanghai becomes involved in espionage revolving around preparations for the attack.

Cast

The film drew mixed reviews from critics. Theodore Strauss of New York Times panned the film, calling it "a very mild hate-brew" and "third-rate drama", and stating, "Nowadays, we doubt whether anybody, even Hirohito, will be much excited". Variety wrote that "the picture doesn't achieve more than moderately entertaining proportions for the adult... Foster and Miss Bari show off excellently, though some of the supporting parts are pretty awful." Film Daily called it "a rousing melodrama" but found the twists and turns of the plot confusing. Harrison's Reports wrote: "An engrossing espionage melodrama that is timely. The story value is good, and competent direction and excellent performances help maintain the interest throughout."
The film seems to "have legs", though, as it scores a 6.9/10 stars on IMDb.