Foreign Correspondent (1940)

Released in 1940, Foreign Correspondent marks a fascinating moment in Alfred Hitchcock’s career, situated between his early British work and his later Hollywood masterpieces. As his first purely American film (though it was still made under British filmmaking conventions), Foreign Correspondent reflects the director’s evolving cinematic style, blending thrilling suspense with sharp political commentary.

It’s a film that not only entertains but also offers a prescient commentary on the tension surrounding World War II, making it both timely for its era and highly watchable today. Full of twists, turns, espionage, and Hitchcock’s signature visual flourishes, Foreign Correspondent stands as a compelling example of how to fuse high-stakes international intrigue with personal drama.

Plot Summary

The film follows Johnny Jones (Joel McCrea), a New York reporter who is sent to Europe to cover the looming international tensions just before World War II. Posing as a “foreign correspondent,” Johnny begins his assignment in London, where he meets the beautiful Carol Fisher (Laraine Day), the daughter of a diplomat. Johnny quickly becomes entangled in a web of espionage, political machinations, and murder when he stumbles upon a conspiracy involving the mysterious Mr. van Meer (Herbert Marshall), a Dutch diplomat who may hold the key to preventing a European conflict.

After witnessing the assassination of van Meer’s bodyguard and uncovering the dark secrets surrounding van Meer’s true intentions, Johnny must navigate a perilous path between the British government, foreign agents, and Nazi sympathizers, all while maintaining his journalistic duties and trying to protect those he loves. As the stakes grow higher, Johnny must decide how far he’s willing to go for the truth.

Direction and Cinematography

Foreign Correspondent is one of Hitchcock’s earlier forays into the world of political thrillers, and his direction is impeccable, showcasing many of the themes and techniques that would come to define his work. The film is a textbook example of Hitchcock’s mastery of suspense. He places his characters in seemingly innocent situations, only to slowly introduce layers of danger and uncertainty. The tension builds gradually, punctuated by moments of shocking violence and betrayal.

One of the most memorable sequences is the assassination of the diplomat's bodyguard, which takes place on a rainy London street. Hitchcock stages this scene with remarkable fluidity, using shadows, atmospheric lighting, and the isolated environment to build an unrelenting sense of dread. Hitchcock also makes effective use of his trademark "wrong man" trope, where the protagonist is thrust into dangerous situations through no fault of his own.

Cinematographer Joseph Valentine captures the moody, atmospheric tone of the film with sweeping cityscapes, large exterior shots, and noir-like shadows that give a sense of foreboding. The combination of dark tones, especially during key action scenes, and the crispness of the outdoor locations, creates a visual aesthetic that complements the narrative’s rising tension.

Performances

Joel McCrea stars as Johnny Jones, a character who could easily have been a simple cipher for action, but McCrea imbues him with warmth, wit, and a touch of vulnerability. His character is resourceful and plucky, not an experienced spy, but a journalist who must rise to the occasion when thrust into a world of espionage. McCrea handles the role with charm and a touch of understated humour, particularly in his banter with Laraine Day’s character.

Laraine Day plays Carol Fisher, the female lead and Johnny’s romantic interest, though she is far more than just a love interest in this case. Her performance is intelligent and grounded, making Carol a strong counterpart to Johnny in the face of danger. Day doesn’t play the damsel in distress but rather a woman who is actively involved in uncovering the truth, bringing an added dimension to the film’s portrayal of women in wartime cinema.

Herbert Marshall gives a subtle, yet powerful performance as the enigmatic Mr. van Meer. His portrayal of a man who is both a symbol of political power and a pawn in larger, more dangerous schemes adds depth to the character and leaves a lingering sense of unease throughout the narrative.

George Sanders, one of the standout actors of the time, shines as Scott FFolliott, a cynical but competent reporter who forms an uneasy alliance with Johnny. His crisp delivery and sharp wit add a layer of irony to the film, and his performance elevates the story’s political undertones.

Political Context and Themes

What makes Foreign Correspondent particularly interesting is its political context. Released in 1940, the film is set against the backdrop of a Europe on the brink of war. While the U.S. had yet to enter the conflict, the political tensions between Nazi Germany, Britain, and the rest of Europe were palpable. Hitchcock was able to cleverly weave these tensions into a story about the power of the press, the manipulation of the truth, and the idea of journalistic integrity versus government censorship.

The film’s central theme—the role of the individual in the face of larger global forces—is one of its most enduring qualities. Johnny, an everyman reporter, becomes a proxy for the average viewer, forced to confront a world of deception, propaganda, and manipulation. As the plot unfolds, the film asks the question: How much can one person really influence the course of history? Hitchcock answers this with an affirmation of human courage and the necessity of truth, but he also underscores the isolation and difficulty of this mission.

Additionally, the film's portrayal of the press as both a powerful tool and a potential weapon resonates with modern audiences. Johnny, though a figure of moral clarity, is up against forces much larger than him, and Hitchcock explores how journalism can be manipulated or used for nefarious purposes, a theme that feels just as relevant today.

Legacy and Influence

While Foreign Correspondent might not be as well-remembered as some of Hitchcock’s other masterpieces, it remains an essential work in his filmography. It was a critical and commercial success upon release, and many of the techniques he employed in this film would be honed further in his later works like North by Northwest (1959) and The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956). The film is a key moment in Hitchcock’s transition from British to Hollywood filmmaking, and it showcases his ability to blend personal and political dramas with sheer cinematic flair.

Foreign Correspondent also contributed to the development of the espionage thriller genre, blending the usual elements of spy fiction—double-crosses, false identities, and international intrigue—with Hitchcock’s trademark suspense and dark humour.

Verdict

Foreign Correspondent is a thrilling, fast-paced suspense film that mixes Hitchcock’s cinematic mastery with a sharp critique of political power and the role of the press. While not as famous as some of Hitchcock’s later films, it remains an essential entry in his body of work, marked by strong performances, a compelling story, and some of the director’s most inventive sequences.

Its enduring themes of journalistic integrity, political tension, and personal courage continue to resonate today, and the film’s technical achievements make it an early example of Hitchcock’s unparalleled ability to build suspense in a way that feels both intimate and grand. Whether you're a Hitchcock fan or someone new to his work, Foreign Correspondent offers a thrilling cinematic experience.