Five Fingers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A butler gets rich selling secrets, gets double-crossed, and ends up laughing because everyone else got scammed even harder.

🍿 Five Fingers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Valet’s Ambition

Set in Ankara, Turkey, during World War II, Ulysses Diello, the valet to the British Ambassador, grows tired of his subservient role. He’s ambitious and desires a life of luxury, far beyond his current station. Diello decides to use his access to classified information for personal gain, hatching a plan to sell British secrets to the Germans.

Espionage and Romance

Diello makes contact with German officials and offers to provide them with top-secret documents. He also reconnects with Countess Anna Staviska, a refugee who has fallen on hard times. Their alliance is formed with the mutual understanding of benefiting financially, with Diello aiming to sweep the Countess away to South America.

Deception and Betrayal

As Diello provides increasingly valuable information, British intelligence becomes aware of the security breach and launches an investigation. Meanwhile, the Countess begins to show her true colors, revealing a mercenary nature. The dynamic between Diello and the Countess shifts, creating a web of deceit and mistrust.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ulysses Diello (James Mason): The ambitious valet to the British Ambassador who sells British secrets to the Germans for personal gain.
• Countess Anna Staviska (Danielle Darrieux): An impoverished Polish countess who assists Diello in his espionage activities, motivated by her own financial needs.
• Colin Travers (Michael Rennie): The British intelligence agent tasked with uncovering the source of the leaks from the British embassy.
• L. C. Moyzisch (Oskar Karlweis): The German attaché who serves as Diello’s main contact for purchasing the stolen secrets.
• Count Franz Von Papen (John Wengraf): The German Ambassador to Turkey, overseeing the espionage operation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ulysses Diello: “I have a plan to promote myself to rich gentleman of leisure.” – Diello explains his motivation for selling secrets to the Germans.
• Countess Anna Staviska: “Bombs were falling. I felt I was in the way.” – The Countess explains to Von Papen why she left Warsaw.
• Count Franz Von Papen: “Wagner makes me sick.” – Von Papen expresses his dislike for Wagner during a party when “Ride of the Valkyries” is playing.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $46,317

💥 Five Fingers Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into the world of ‘Five Fingers.’ James Mason is absolutely captivating as the cunning valet, and the plot twists kept me guessing until the very end. Seeing the real locations in Turkey added a layer of authenticity that made the story even more compelling. The ending was a total surprise, and I loved how it left me thinking about the characters long after the credits rolled. I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys spy thrillers with a touch of wit and irony. I couldn’t help rooting for James Mason, even though his character was not necessarily a good guy! Seeing Turkey in the 1950s was amazing, too.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic spy thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas about World War II”
  • “Admirers of James Mason’s acting”
  • “People who enjoy films with clever plot twists”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of espionage and betrayal”
  • “Mature themes related to war and morality”
  • “No graphic violence or explicit content”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “A witty, suspenseful, and well-acted spy thriller based on a true story. James Mason shines as the suave valet, and Danielle Darrieux is captivating as the countess. The Turkish location adds authenticity. This film deserves to be discovered and appreciated.
• IMDb: “Joseph Mankiewicz directs a brilliant spy film set in WWII Turkey, where a British ambassador’s valet sells secrets to the Nazis. The film is full of twists and features outstanding performances from James Mason and Danielle Darrieux. Highly recommended for fans of classic spy thrillers.
• IMDb: “James Mason delivers a superb performance as an elegant scoundrel in this underrated masterpiece. The story is full of betrayal and ironic twists, culminating in a hilariously dark ending. The film’s sharp writing and strong performances make it a must-see for fans of the genre.

Audience Reactions

James Mason’s performance as the cunning valet is a standout.: Viewers praise the film’s intelligent script, surprising twists, and the authentic Turkish setting.

The ending is unexpectedly ironic and satisfying.: Many viewers are impressed by the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and the double-crossing plot.

Overall Consensus: A well-crafted spy thriller with strong performances, an intelligent script, and surprising twists that make it a highly enjoyable and memorable experience.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Screenplay)- 1953

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the non-fiction book ‘Operation Cicero’ by L.C. Moyzisch, a German attaché in Turkey during World War II, detailing his experiences with a British spy.”
• “Exterior scenes were filmed on location in Turkey to enhance the film’s authenticity.”
• “Michael Wilson won a Golden Globe for Best Screenplay for ‘Five Fingers’.”

🖥️ How to Watch Five Fingers?

Currently, “Five Fingers” is available for streaming on YouTube via the Cinema TubeStar (colorized version) and DK Classics channels. While it may not be readily available on major streaming platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, or Hulu, you can rent or purchase it through digital retailers such as Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV, depending on availability in your region. Check your local listings for television broadcasts, as classic films often appear on channels dedicated to older movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Five Fingers, you might like these similar films:

• Notorious (1946): Features espionage and intrigue during World War II, with complex characters and shifting loyalties.
• The Third Man (1949): A post-war thriller set in Vienna, dealing with espionage, black market dealings, and moral ambiguity.
• Munich (2005): Deals with espionage and moral compromises in the wake of conflict.

🛒 Five Fingers Related Products

• Spy Movie Collection (Blu-ray): A curated collection of classic spy films, including ‘Five Fingers,’ offering hours of suspenseful entertainment for genre enthusiasts. Includes behind-the-scenes content and director’s commentary.
• Vintage Movie Poster – Five Fingers: A high-quality reproduction of the original ‘Five Fingers’ movie poster, capturing the film’s classic aesthetic. A must-have for collectors and fans of classic cinema.
• Espionage Board Game: Double Cross: A strategic board game inspired by the themes of ‘Five Fingers,’ where players navigate a world of spies, secrets, and double-crosses. Offers hours of engaging gameplay for strategy enthusiasts.
• James Mason Film Collection: A collection of James Mason’s most iconic movies. This provides fans with an extensive look into his career.

🎧 Soundtrack

Five Fingers features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Ride of the Valkyries” – performed by Richard Wagner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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