Comrade X
- Clark Gable: Mac Thompson
- Hedy Lamarr: Theodore
- Oskar Homolka: Commissioner Vasiliev
- Felix Bressart: Vanya
- Eve Arden: Jane Wilson
- Sig Ruman: Emil Von Hofer
- Vladimir Sokoloff: Michael Bastakoff
Comrade X is an American comedy film from the year 1940 by King Vidor on a story by Walter Reisch.
Action
Comrade X is the name of an anonymous reporter, the unpleasant stories about Russia sends to a large newspaper publisher. The reporter Mac Thompson, Moscow correspondent for the Texas Bugle, is this mysterious message recorder. So that no one comes to him on the track, he disguises himself as an irresponsible playboy. Vanya, a servant in the Thompson hotel in Moscow, however, has recognized Thompson's secret and wants to blackmail him. He is his daughter, a strict communist smuggle out of the country. Thompson finally agrees and wants to meet with Vanya.
Vanyas daughter works as a tram driver under the name Theodore, because only men are allowed to drive trams. Thompson tried to take the girl to travel to America, but she wants to accompany him until they know his background. Later Theodore Thompson is looking up and tells him that she must marry, because this is the only way for them to leave the country.
After their wedding ceremony, the couple was arrested. Commissioner Vasiliev makes the interrogation. He asked Thompson to the camera from Comrade X, which were found at Vanya. Faced with the death penalty says to Thompson, to betray the leader of the opposition. For that he should be spared Vanya and Theodore. In the Commissioner's office Thompson is shocked there Bastakoff Michael, the former opposition leader, seen as a new commissioner. However, Thompson can escape with Vanya and Theodore. They kidnap a breastplate, and a general and roll, followed by the Soviet Army, the Romanian border to safety.
Criticism
Bosley Crowther wrote in the New York Times that a rare film had mocked a state and its political system so relentless and full of malicious joy.
Was Dave Kehr of the Chicago Reader, King Vidor was not in his element in this pompous farce.
Awards
Walter Reisch 1941 received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Story.
Background
The film celebrated its premiere on December 13, 1940.
In small supporting roles are seen Michael Rasumny as an officer and Keye Luke as conference participants. The film features came from an art director Cedric Gibbons and Set Decorator Edwin B. Willis. Sound engineer Douglas Shearer was, the special effects were from A. Arnold Gillespie. Karl Freund did the camera work during nighttime outdoor shots.