The Gay Diplomat

A World War One flick.... Ivan Lebedeff is Captain Orloff. According to the card, we're at the russian front. Romania is the battle hotspot. Orloff must go and find the double agent. Lebedeff was actually born in russia, which is now Lithuania. Apparently his real father was a bud to Nicolas, but we know that didn't end well. Orloff noses around, and tries to get the facts, but people start getting shot. And no-one is sure which side the dead guy was working for. Orloff and his uniform are always so perfectly clean and perfect. It's pretty cheesy and low budget. At least its pre code! Co-stars Genevieve Tobin as the Countess. And scottish Colin Campbell as "Gamble", Orloff's trusty sidekick. And how is "Alma" (Betty Compson) involved ? It's an okay spy film for the time, with lots of talking. Not so much action. Goes along like it started out as a written play. Who can we trust? Just like in wartime, no-one really knows. It's okay. Directed by Richard Boleslawski, who was ALSO born in russia, which is now poland. He died SO young at 47 from a heart attack. Some twists and turns along the way. It's entertaining enough. It aint no shakespeare.