Watch Above Suspicion

Above Suspicion is a classic thriller released in 1943 that stars Joan Crawford, Fred MacMurray, and Conrad Veidt. The film was directed by Richard Thorpe, based on the novel of the same name by Helen MacInnes, and really brought the spy-thriller genre to the forefront. As the movie opens, we’re introduced to newlyweds Richard and Frances Myles, played by MacMurray and Crawford, who are on their honeymoon in Europe. Richard is a professor at Oxford and Frances is a writer, and they’re enjoying the sunny days and are having a jolly good time.

However, their lives take a dramatic turn when they are approached by a man they meet on a train named Hassert Seidel, played by Conrad Veidt. Hassert invites the couple to visit his country estate to meet his sister, but in reality, he has ulterior motives.

As it turns out, Hassert is a Nazi spy, and he recruits the unsuspecting couple to smuggle secret documents back to England. They agree to undertake the dangerous mission, not knowing what danger lies ahead for them.

The adventure begins when Richard is handed the critical papers by one of Hassert’s agents, and he struggles to get them back to England safely. Along the way, Richard and Frances face multiple encounters with suspicious Nazis, double agents, and the Gestapo.

What makes the story of Above Suspicion unique is the way it portrays the transformation of these two ordinary people into secret agents. They’re just a newlywed couple trying to enjoy their honeymoon when they get drawn into a dangerous and thrilling mission.

The film also shines in its portrayal of the dynamics between Richard and Frances as they try to navigate this unfamiliar territory. They both have different strengths and weaknesses which they’ll need to rely on to complete the mission.

Joan Crawford, in particular, stands out in her performance as Frances, who transforms from a naive and carefree romantic to an iron-willed, strong woman. She’s unafraid to take risks and is willing to give everything she has to protect her husband and their country.

Alongside Crawford, Fred MacMurray is perfectly cast as Richard, who is initially hesitant to take on the mission but ultimately rises to the challenge. His acting skills show that he’s not the typical action hero, but he’s still brave and resourceful when the situation demands it.

The movie takes some time to build up his plot but once it gets going, it’s a thrilling ride. There are some genuinely tense moments throughout the film, such as when our protagonists are being pursued by the Gestapo, or when they’re trying to avoid suspicious Nazis.

The movie's strength is in building an atmosphere of unease and suspicion, especially as Richard and Frances become more paranoid as their mission continues. The atmosphere of wartime Europe is well-captured with excellent set design, costumes, and excellent use of lighting and cinematography.

The climactic ending also delivers a satisfying payoff to the twisting plot, ensuring that audiences leave the theater feeling satisfied.

Despite being made nearly 80 years ago, Above Suspicion is still an exciting and well-crafted film that keeps its audience-engaged. It's a great example of the spy-thriller genre that’s stood the test of time.

In conclusion, Above Suspicion is an entertaining movie that was ahead of its time. Its combination of strong acting, intense action, and suspenseful plot makes it a compelling watch that still holds up today. It’s a movie that will keep you guessing until the very end, and its performances make it worth seeing again and again.

Above Suspicion is a 1943 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.