Spies (Spione)

“It is clear that this complex masterpiece of pulp fiction ranked with M and the Mabuse films as one of Lang’s major pre-Hollywood accomplishments” (Elliott Stein). Following the massive undertaking of Metropolis, Lang formed his own company and began the modest production of Spies. With its simple, sparsely decorated sets, frequent use of close-ups, and flawless plot structure, Spies is a forerunner of Hitchcock’s British-period thrillers. In urban post–World War I Europe, Haghi (Rudolf Klein-Rogge), the director of an international bank, doubles as a criminal mastermind, heading a spy ring specializing in the theft of government documents. Essential early Lang.