A Passport to Hell

This is an odd little film starring the Italian-born actress, Elissa Landi. She plays Myra, a woman with a checkered past (they NEVER really said what that was, exactly...but like all Pre-Code films you can assume it means she was promiscuous). The story begins with her being tossed out of a British colony in Africa just before WWI. The ship then dumps her at a German-controlled port...and the Germans don't want her either...particularly the Baron in charge (Warner Oland). He assumes she's a bad influence and denies her entry. But, his headstrong and incredibly immature son marries Myra to allow her to stay...but their relationship is doomed for many reasons....and a dashing Lieutenant (Paul Lukas) is part of it.

In many ways, this film feels like a Greta Garbo film--complete with the over-emoting from the leading lady and a syrupy feel. I know this is heresy to many old film buffs, but I don't care for this sort of acting...it's heavy on emotion and light on believability. Still, despite the acting and a few lulls, this isn't a bad film....and seems to have 'Time Passer' written all over it.