PamelaShort Review of The Man Who Never Was

The Man Who Never Was (1956)

" Operation Mincemeat Swallowed Whole "

[8/10 · 9 November 2013]

I really enjoyed and appreciated this excellent film, that is based on a true British disinformation plan during W W II, code named Operation Mincemeat. The plan by British Intelligence was to deceive the German high command into thinking the Allied invasion of Sicily would take place elsewhere. The successful hoax was achieved by attaching " Top Secret " documents on a corpse deliberately left to wash up on a beach in Spain. This intriguing story is well played out in fine detail, in " The Man Who Never Was, " with the screenplay staying close to the truth, along with the addition of some well placed fiction, for example the Irish spy in the film is a complete fabrication. Stephen Boyd plays the part of Patrick O'Reilly the fictitious spy, while the real Ewen Montagu declared that he was happy with the fictitious incidents which, although they didn't happen, might have happened. Clifton Webb was an outstanding choice for the role of British Navy Lieutenant Commander Ewen Montagu, who is fully involved in the cunning scheme to fool the Nazis. Webb's performance brings this most absorbing historical story to life. It is also interesting to note that the real Ewen Montagu has a cameo role in the film of an air-vice marshal who has doubts about the feasibility of the proposed plan. It was described as a "surreal" moment when the real Montagu addresses his fictional persona, played by Webb. Gloria Graham gives a fine, strong emotional performance in her role as Lucy Sherwood, a woman who unexpectedly becomes part of the plot. All the supporting actors give very adequate performances, in this well done, worth watching wartime drama, a film that has passed the test of time.