I See a Dark Stranger (1946)

Set against the backdrop of 1944 Ireland, I See a Dark Stranger introduces us to the fiercely independent and determined Bridie Quilty. Having spent her formative years in the quaint town of Ballygarry, Bridie's worldview has been shaped by her late father's vivid tales of the Irish Revolution. These fantastical stories, imbued with a strong sense of nationalism and a profound disdain for the British—most notably Oliver Cromwell—have left an indelible mark on her spirit. Now, as a young woman of twenty-one, Bridie resolves to leave her hometown behind, unbeknownst to her family and friends. Her goal? To support the cause she has come to hold dear—her pro-Irish, anti-British sentiment. However, her dream to join the ranks of the IRA in Dublin is dashed, leading her to cross paths with a man on a train, a chance encounter that redirects her journey to Wynbridge, England. In this unfamiliar land, Bridie finds herself recruited as a spy for Germany. Her task is simple yet dangerous: use her captivating charm to extract intelligence from unsuspecting British officers. As she navigates this new world, the romanticized image of warfare she held dear in Ballygarry is replaced by the chilling realities of conflict and espionage. Complications arise when Bridie stumbles upon a vital secret, sparking a high-stakes chase involving herself, a lovesick British officer named David Baynes, a covert German agent, and the ever-vigilant police. As Bridie is thrown deeper into this whirlwind of intrigue, she must confront not only the external threats but also her own internal conflicts. Will Bridie remain the naive girl from Ballygarry, or will she evolve into the hardened spy her new role demands? This enigmatic tale of love, war, and self-discovery promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

I See a Dark Stranger is a drama movie featuring Deborah Kerr and directed by Frank Launder.

I See a Dark Stranger is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.