The Lady Has Plans

World War II. A female espionage agent has important Naval plans tattooed on her dorsal regions (making her the only person with a "Naval" on her back).

She travels to Lisbon to auction the plans off to the highest bidder, planning to travel under the name of a female reporter (Paulette Goddard) going to work for a tough-minded newsman (Ray Milland). Unfortunately, the spy is delayed so when Goddard arrives everyone thinks she's the agent, and they chase after her for the plans.

Clear, so far?

Roland Young plays the English agent who wants to see the plans before bidding. The Germans are also included in the auction. But Goddard thinks everyone is after her for herself. I've known women like that, myself. Young ropes Milland into the game, adding to the confusion.

The confusion generates some humor, especially from Young.

When she finds out the truth, Goddard ventures alone into the National Socialist embassy, fishing for a story. What could go wrong?

For such a slight little yarn this movie has a surprisingly strong cast, and they do what comedies are supposed to do: try for laughs. The third act turns serious, changing the tone and making it a tad schizophrenic. But it is wartime so a little propaganda is understandable.