Search - Secret File USA, Vol. 1 on DVD

Pamela G. (pamgram1) from CHAFFEE, MO
Reviewed on 3/1/2010...

An American intelligence agent goes on missions deep behind enemy lines to gather information about threats to American security, and to protect American diplomats abroad.

Episodes Include:
Mission Assassin
Mission Chopin
Mission Firebird
Mission "M"

Stars: Robert Alda, Alan Alda, Kay Callard, Ton Van Ouinhoven

Running Time 104 minutes
1955

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Rare Spy Series comes to DVD

Robert Huggins | Suburban Philadelphia, PA United States | 02/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Alpha Video has unearthed episodes of this rare Cold War espionage series from 1954, starring Robert Alda as Major William Morgan of Army Intelligence. Although it lasted just a single season, "Secret File, USA" is far better than another spy series of the early 1950s, "Dangerous Assignment" with Brian Donlevy. You won't recognize most of the European actors in this series as the production was based in Amsterdam, and there is location filming throughout post-World War II Europe; both of these elements work to the show's advantage. Supposedly Alda's son, Alan Alda (who would have been 17 or 18 years of age at the time), appeared in one or more episodes of this series, though he does not appear in the four episodes included on this DVD. The DVD cover says "Volume 1," so perhaps we'll see additional volumes in the future.

While the prints utilized by Alpha for this release are far from pristine, they are very watchable and the audio is fine with minimal hiss. Given the age and relative obscurity of this series, I doubt whether better prints will ever be found. "Secret File, USA" is recommended to fans of classic television (with a European twist) and those who enjoy spy series.

My rating is closer to **** & ½ for this release.
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