“British Intelligence” (also known as “Enemy Agent”) is a WWI spy thriller. It’s notable because it stars Boris Karloff (“Frankenstein”, “The Body Snatcher”). It came out during WWII and gives off some propaganda vibes with the way it draws parallels between the threat of the Germans during the 1910s and the 1940s.

The British realise that a spy loyal to Germany is leaking information. They initially suspect that he must be operating somewhere close to the frontline but they later deduce that he must be embedded near the heart of the British government. A British cabinet minister’s home is where the spy is hiding but his identity is unclear. The authorities must find out who the spy is if they are to win the war.

Boris Karloff is obviously the most famous face here but sadly he does not get to shine as brightly here as he did in classics such as the early “Frankenstein” films. He plays the butler Valdar and he is entertaining as always. Margaret Lindsay (“Scarlet Street”) plays Helene and she does a good job. The other characters are okay and I did not have any complaints about any of performances. Of course, with spy films you often do not really know who everybody truly is as anybody could be a double agent or something like that.

“British Intelligence” has some enjoyable scenes and I was particularly impressed with the effects with the planes during the dogfight sequence. However, it is rather forgettable picture and is unlikely to satisfy many people. It’s not as gripping as Hitchcock’s spy thrillers “Notorious” and “North By Northwest”. The only real reason to see it is if you are a big fan of Boris Karloff. Even then, watching or re-watching “Frankenstein” or “The Mummy” would probably be a more sensible way to spend your time.