The Two-Headed Spy – 1958 | 93 mins | War, Thriller | B&W

Plot Synopsis

Taut espionage melodrama based on the work of legendary double-agent Colonel Alex Schottland. The well-told thriller allows the suspense to build gradually with a fitting balance between seeming safety and fear of capture. The cast produce all-round good performances; particularly Jack Hawkins as the convincing double-agent, and Alexander Knox as appropriately stern Gestapo officer.

Planted as a British intelligence spy towards the end of WW I, Englishman Alex Schottland (Jack Hawkins) has infiltrated the Nazi war hierarchy and by the time WW II breaks out has risen to the rank of General. While maintaining the façade of a loyal officer, General Schottland feeds sensitive information to his Berlin contact, Cornaz (Felix Aylmer), who disguises himself as a clock salesman. However, following the von Stauffenberg plot to assassinate Hitler, Cornaz is captured and murdered by the Gestapo for his actions.

Schottland is suspected at first by Gestapo officer Müller (Alexander Knox), but manages to overcome this and continue his espionage. His next contact is Lili Geyr (Gia Scala), a beautiful singer he pretends to be in love with so he can exchange information. However, jealous Gestapo officer Lt. Reinisch (Erik Schumann) is enamoured with Lili and comes to suspect her relationship with Alex. Schottland does fall in love with Gia and plans to cross enemy lines and return to England with her.

Finally, when Reinisch discovers Lili attempting to cross the border and subsequently murders her, and an injured Corporal suggests Schottland may have shot him, Alex realises his ruse is exposed and that he must flee.