Foreign Correspondent (film)

Foreign Correspondent is a 1940 American thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It tells the story of an American crime reporter who is sent to Europe on the eve of World War II and becomes embroiled in an international conspiracy involving a kidnapped diplomat and a network of Nazi spies.

The film stars Joel McCrea as Johnny Jones (later Carol), Laraine Day as Carol Fisher, Herbert Marshall as Stephen Fisher, George Sanders as Scott Ffolliott, and Albert Bassermann as Van Meer.

Foreign Correspondent was produced by Walter Wanger and distributed by United Artists. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, but did not win any.

The film is notable for its impressive special effects, particularly the famous plane crash sequence filmed using miniatures and a tank of water. It is also significant for its anti-Nazi propaganda, reflecting the growing concern about the war in Europe at the time. The film's message was explicitly pro-interventionist, urging the United States to become involved in the fight against fascism.

Foreign Correspondent is considered a classic of the thriller genre and one of Hitchcock's best American films. It is praised for its suspenseful plot, engaging characters, and effective use of visual storytelling. The film's themes of political intrigue and the importance of truth remain relevant today.