04 Mar 5 Fingers
(1952) 5 Fingers is based on the true story of one of the most famous spies of World War II, code name “Cicero.” In this film British actor James Mason plays the valet to the British Ambassador in Turkey and for nothing more than greed, at least it seemed so, he begins selling photographs of top secret documents to the Nazis. Of course, the #1 top secret at that time was when and where would be the Allied invasion of Europe, known as Overlord.
The spy’s real name was Elyesa Bazna. One of his German contacts was Ludwig Carl Moyzisch who actually wrote a book about the affair in 1950, Der Fall Cicero (or Operation Cicero.) Here is a previously secret article at the CIA website, Footnote to Cicero, which offers even more intrigue.
The good news is that the Nazis never really trusted “Cicero” and did not use the information he sold them.
James Mason, one of my favorites, was the perfect sneaky spy. His beautiful leading lady, French actress Danielle Darrieux, is 94 years old and still appearing in films! 5 Fingers (also known as Five Fingers) was nominated for two Academy Awards, including best director for Joseph L. Mankiewicz.
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