Much maligned, long suppressed film is actually not bad. It's not really because of the leads; Hope and Hepburn aren't really credible characters, and the latter's Russian accent has been memorably described as "Maria Ouspenskaya on meth." It's more because of the supporting cast of familiar British faces. Helpmann, especially, is great as the lovelorn sad sack Kropotkin. Memorable bits by Alexander Gauge (as a southern American senator, of all things) and Richard Wattis as a lingerie salesman, among others, are what keep the film going.

Note: Just a couple of errors to point out: Guard is not Victor Brooks; I misidentified Jimmy Lodge when I first did this film, and the error has carried over to IMDb. Also the “Man Lighting Lockwood’s Distorted Cigarette” is clearly Nicholas Bruce, and not Nicol Williamson, who would have been 20 and on national service when this film was made.

Originally done 01 June 2013, revamped 28 January 2023.

Thanks as always to Philly for identifying many extras that I missed!