Watch Storm Over Lisbon

Storm Over Lisbon is a 1944 film set during World War II. Directed by George Sherman, the film stars Vera Ralston, Richard Arlen, and Erich von Stroheim. The plot centers around an American agent named Steve Gibbs (Richard Arlen) who is sent to Lisbon to retrieve a list of Nazi spies operating undercover in the United States. Along the way, he meets a beautiful singer named Maria Oliveira (Vera Ralston) and a former Nazi intelligence officer named Baron Von Alvenstor (Erich von Stroheim).

The film opens with Gibbs arriving in Lisbon and receiving his mission from his superiors. He is told to find a man named Dr. Otto Krichner, who he is led to believe has the list of spies. But as Gibbs begins his investigation, he discovers that his mission is not as straightforward as it seems. He encounters several obstacles, including a group of Nazi collaborators who are determined to keep the list from falling into American hands.

One of the people who helps Gibbs along the way is Maria, a singer at a local nightclub. Maria is initially suspicious of Gibbs, but over time she comes to trust him and becomes a key player in his mission. Von Alvenstor, on the other hand, is initially presented as a villainous figure. He is a former Nazi intelligence officer who has been hired by the American government to help track down the spies. However, as the film progresses, his true loyalties are brought into question.

As Gibbs gets closer to finding the list of spies, the tension in the film builds. There are several suspenseful sequences, including an assassination attempt on Gibbs and a chase through the streets of Lisbon. The film also has some romantic elements, with Gibbs and Maria developing a relationship over the course of the story.

One of the most notable aspects of Storm Over Lisbon is the performance of von Stroheim. He plays Von Alvenstor with a mix of charm and menace, keeping the audience guessing about his true intentions. Ralston is also impressive as Maria, bringing both strength and vulnerability to her character. Arlen, meanwhile, is solid as the lead, although he is somewhat overshadowed by von Stroheim and Ralston.

The film's production values are also worth noting. The sets and costumes are well-done, and there are several impressive action sequences. However, some elements of the film - particularly the backlot scenes - look a bit fake by modern standards.

Overall, Storm Over Lisbon is an enjoyable thriller that will appeal to fans of espionage films. While it may not be as well-known as some other films of the era, it is a solid entry in the genre and features several strong performances.

Storm Over Lisbon is a 1944 mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.