Cloak Without Dagger – 1956 | 69 mins | Mystery | B&W

Plot Synopsis

Light-hearted spy story with a touch of romance written and produced by A.R. Rawlinson and directed by Joseph Sterling. British actor Philip Friend had moved to Hollywood in 1946 and went on to play supporting roles in swashbuckling adventure films, but then returned to Britain in 1952 merely to play leading roles in second features.

At the Hotel Maychester in London, fashion reporter Kyra Gabaine (Mary Mackenzie) is reunited with her war-time lover Felix Gretton (Philip Friend). Gretton was a rising intelligence officer in Brussels when his wartime relationship with Kyra compromised security and allowed a spy to escape, and in the post-war years he is now a lowly floor waiter. Somewhat implausibly, Kyra believes she has seen fugitive spy in the hotel.

Kyra recruits store detective and retired Scotland Yard inspector Fred Borcombe (Leslie Dwyer) to investigate the suspected spy, now posing as dress designer Peppi Gilroudian (John G. Heller). The only clue they have to go on is a note mentioning Stanwell, the UK atomic research facility, and when they visit the base they observe Gilroudian’s accomplice, catering manager Markley (Frank Thornton), driving through the entrance. Kyra and Borcombe break into the base and inform the camp commander, Colonel Packham (Allan Cuthbertson), that spies have infiltrated a top secret tank test.