Saboteur Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Wrongly accused airplane factory worker chases a guy across the country to prove he didn’t start a fire, and they end up playing tag on Lady Liberty, which isn’t a metaphor for anything, definitely not.

🍿 Saboteur: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Sabotage

During World War II, Barry Kane, an aircraft worker, is present when a fire breaks out at his factory, killing his friend. Suspicion falls on Kane when it’s discovered the fire extinguishers were filled with gasoline. He quickly realizes a man named Frank Fry was responsible.

On the Run

Kane, now a fugitive, sets out to clear his name and find Fry. He follows clues leading him across the country, encountering various people along the way. He meets Patricia ‘Pat’ Martin, a model, who initially doubts his innocence but is soon convinced of his honesty.

Cross-Country Chase

Barry and Pat’s journey takes them through diverse locales, from a ranch in California to a ghost town in Nevada and eventually to New York City. They encounter a traveling circus, a blind man, and a network of saboteurs. Each encounter brings them closer to uncovering the truth.

Unmasking the Conspiracy

As they near New York, Barry and Pat discover that Fry is part of a larger group of fifth columnists planning further acts of sabotage. The plot thickens as they infiltrate a society ball and face off against the conspirators, including the seemingly respectable Charles Tobin and the wealthy Mrs. Sutton.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Barry Kane (Robert Cummings): A wrongly accused aircraft factory worker who goes on the run to prove his innocence and expose a sabotage plot.
• Patricia (Pat) Martin (Priscilla Lane): A model who initially distrusts Barry but becomes his ally and romantic interest as she learns the truth.
• Charles Tobin (Otto Kruger): The seemingly respectable leader of a group of fascist-sympathizing saboteurs.
• Frank Fry (Norman Lloyd): The real saboteur who frames Barry and is pursued across the country.
• Freeman (Alan Baxter): A key member of the sabotage ring who provides Barry passage to New York.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mac, Truck Driver: “I’ve been thinkin’ for long time I’m gonna get out of this truckin’ game.” – Said by a truck driver offering Barry a ride, reflecting the common man’s desire for a better life.
• Charles Tobin: “I’m willing to back my taste with the necessary force.” – Tobin’s declaration reveals the villain’s willingness to use violence to impose his vision.
• Patricia (Pat) Martin: “You can’t trust anybody, can you?” – Pat expresses her disillusionment and growing awareness of the widespread treachery.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $110

💥 Saboteur Reviews

Personal Review

I love classic Hitchcock, and ‘Saboteur’ is a wild ride! I was immediately hooked by the opening scene in the factory. I was so stressed out when Barry was running from the police, not knowing who to trust. The circus scene was bizarre but fun. The ending on the Statue of Liberty was incredible. The way it ended with the villain dangling from the statue was unforgettable. It made me feel like I was watching something truly iconic. Definitely a movie I’ll watch again!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hitchcock thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in World War II espionage stories”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful ‘wrong man’ narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Some suggestive themes”
  • “Wartime propaganda”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Hitchcock delivers a taut thriller filled with suspense and unexpected twists. Robert Cummings shines as the everyman hero, and the finale at the Statue of Liberty is a classic moment in cinema. While some plot points stretch believability, the film’s energy and patriotic fervor are undeniable.
• The New York Times: “Saboteur showcases Hitchcock’s mastery of suspense, but the script suffers from weak character development and a reliance on wartime propaganda. Priscilla Lane is charming, but the overall experience feels somewhat rushed and lacks the depth of Hitchcock’s best work.
• Los Angeles Times: “Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Saboteur’ is a thrilling ride with impressive visuals and a captivating story. Robert Cummings delivers a compelling performance, bringing a sense of urgency and determination to his role. Despite some minor plot inconsistencies, the film maintains a brisk pace and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Audience Reactions

The Statue of Liberty climax is still breathtaking and incredibly tense.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and thrilling conclusion.

The unique characters and unexpected plot twists kept me engaged from beginning to end.: Many appreciate the film’s creative storytelling and memorable supporting characters.

Overall Consensus: A suspenseful thriller with iconic moments, though some find the plot somewhat contrived and the performances uneven.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Alfred Hitchcock’s original cameo, featuring him and his secretary as deaf pedestrians, was cut by censors due to an indecent sign language proposal and subsequent slap. A more conventional cameo in front of a drugstore was substituted.”
• “Due to wartime restrictions on filming at public attractions, the New York City locations, including the Statue of Liberty, were recreated on Hollywood studio backlots.”

🖥️ How to Watch Saboteur?

Saboteur is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Vudu. Check local listings for availability on cable or satellite providers. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Saboteur, you might like these similar films:

• The 39 Steps (1935): A classic Hitchcock thriller featuring an innocent man on the run, wrongly accused of a crime he didn’t commit, mirroring the central theme of ‘Saboteur’.
• North by Northwest (1959): Another Hitchcock masterpiece with a similar ‘wrong man’ plot, elaborate chase sequences, and a memorable climax at a national monument.
• Foreign Correspondent (1940): An espionage thriller directed by Hitchcock that focuses on international intrigue and the dangers of misinformation during wartime, sharing thematic elements with ‘Saboteur’.
• The Fugitive (1993): A modern action thriller featuring a doctor wrongly accused of murdering his wife, who goes on the run to clear his name while being pursued by law enforcement.

🛒 Saboteur Related Products

• Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition): A comprehensive Blu-ray collection featuring ‘Saboteur’ and other classic Hitchcock films, including rare behind-the-scenes content and director commentary.
• Saboteur: The Board Game – A Game of Trust and Betrayal: A thrilling social deduction board game where players must work together to find gold, but one or more players are saboteurs secretly working against the group.
• The Making of Hitchcock (Movie Tie-In): This ebook delves into the creative process of Alfred Hitchcock. Learn about his vision, techniques, and the challenges he faced while making ‘Saboteur’ and other iconic films.
• Saboteur Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, capturing the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and iconic imagery.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Tonight We Love” – performed by Freddy Martin and Ray Austin
• “Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23” – performed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Defunctland: The History of Alfred Hitchcock: The Art of Making Movies

Ever wondered what made Hitchcock such a cinematic genius? This video dives deep into his history and unique techniques. It’s fascinating to see how his early experiences shaped the master of suspense we know and love!

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