The Man Who Never Was Poster
Biographical
Drama
War

The Man Who Never Was (1956) Review in 2025

8.5/10
Blockbuster

A British intelligence officer is sent to Spain to pose as a deceased soldier and gather information about the German army's plans.

113 minutes
English (Dubbed: None)
Age group: 13-25, Interests: History, War
Director:
Ronald Neame
Budget: 1.5 million USD
Gross: 4 million USD

Family-Friendly Rating

Is this movie suitable for family viewing?

Not recommended for young children due to some mature themes and war-related content.

CineReview Recommendation

Definitely worth watching, especially for fans of historical dramas and war movies.

Spoiler Alert!

Hover to reveal spoiler summary

The movie follows the story of Major William Martin, a British intelligence officer who is sent to Spain to pose as a deceased soldier, and his mission to gather information about the German army's plans. Along the way, he forms a bond with a Spanish woman, and together they uncover a plot to deceive the Allies.

Review Details

story9.00/10

The story is engaging and well-researched, with a unique and intriguing plot that keeps the viewer interested.

acting9.00/10

The acting is superb, with Clifton Webb delivering a nuanced and emotional performance as Major William Martin.

characters8.50/10

The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Clifton Webb delivering a standout performance as Major William Martin.

direction9.00/10

The direction is excellent, with Ronald Neame bringing a sense of tension and urgency to the story.

cinematography8.00/10

The cinematography is good, with some impressive shots of the Spanish landscape, but it's not particularly memorable.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Engaging story, well-developed characters, excellent direction, and superb acting.

Cons

Some scenes may be disturbing for young viewers, and the cinematography is not particularly memorable.

Notable Quotes

"I'm not a spy, I'm a soldier."
"The only way to get the truth is to lie."

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