Decent 1930's thriller

This film, also known as 'Clouds Over Europe' is one of the better 'eve of war' films.

It is evocative of the period. I enjoyed the brief street scenes, the 1930's aerodrome (which one, I wonder?) and the glimpses of ships during the aerial search sequences. Several authors have noted the similarity of the set in the 'secret weapon' scenes to the settings in 'Things to Come'.

Ralph Richardson does a good turn in a role said to have inspired the character of 'John Steed; in the UK TV series, 'The Avengers'. Laurence Olivier plays a pilot, and does well. I hadn't seen Valerie Hobson, the main female character before, and I must look out for her other films.

I first saw this on UK TV as a child, and I was worried that it wouldn't hold up. I enjoyed seeing this again, however, and I'd commend it to others who enjoy films of the period.