Tonight's Movie: O.S.S. (1946) - A Kino Lorber Blu-ray Review

The World War II espionage film O.S.S. (1946) has been released on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber.

At the time I first watched this movie in 2012 the only way I could see it was via a used VHS tape. Years later the movie did have a couple of DVD releases, via Universal Vault and TCM, but I'm quite thrilled that it's now available in an excellent Blu-ray print from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.

O.S.S. is a fine film which stars one of my top favorite actors, Alan Ladd. It's the story of a group of spies working behind enemy lines in Europe. After the death of the team leader (Don Beddoe), John Martin (Ladd) heads a small group which includes Elaine (Geraldine Fitzgerald) and radio man Bernay (Richard Benedict).

Martin is initially wary of working with a woman under life-or-death circumstances, but the unflappable Elaine proves to be a fine partner. The team successfully pulls off multiple missions, but just when rescue is in sight in the form of a plane to carry them out of danger, their commander (Patric Knowles) asks them to pull off one more mission.

As I noted in my 2012 review, this film is somewhat stressful to watch due to the constant state of tension and threats, illustrated by the significant number of Allied team members who go down fighting. That said, I found it easier to watch this time around, as I'm the type of viewer who finds it easier knowing what to expect, and I very much enjoyed returning to it.

I particularly admire the suspense created when filming entirely on a studio backlot, including the use of a few well-done back projections. The film's believability and level of suspense is a testament to the quality of the filmmakers in front of and behind the camera.  It's an excellent example of studio filmmaking of the '40s, and I recommend it.

Ladd and Fitzgerald are both excellent in subdued performances as people who are constantly in high-stress situations. Fitzgerald's character is particularly distinctive as she deals with Ladd as an equal, rather than being relegated to being a love interest in need of rescue.

We never know quite why Ladd and Fitzgerald's characters are so willing to repeatedly risk their lives but at the time the film was released it went without saying why they would do so. We can easily infer they're dedicated patriots, especially given Ladd's final lines.

There's a very effective subplot regarding the communications between Bernay and a WAC radio operator nicknamed Sparky (Gloria Saunders) which I think I appreciated even more this time around.  Those brief moments also provide a needed break from the ongoing tension.

The cast also includes John Hoyt, Richard Webb, Onslow Stevens, Harold Vermilyea, and Frank Ferguson.

O.S.S. runs 108 minutes. It was written and produced by Richard Maibaum, who also worked with Ladd on a fine adaptation of THE GREAT GATSBY (1949).

The movie was directed by Irving Pichel and filmed in black and white by Lionel Lindon.

The Kino Lorber Blu-ray is from a brand-new 2K master. It looks and sounds great.

Disc extras are a commentary track by Samm Deighan, the trailer, and a trailer gallery for seven additional films available from Kino Lorber.

Thanks to Kino Lorber for providing a review copy of this Blu-ray.

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