During the late 1940s and into the 1950s, Joseph Mankiewicz was probably the most successful man in Hollywood--directing and writing such amazing films as "A Letter to Three Wives", "All About Eve" and "House of Strangers". However, by the time he made "Five Fingers", Mankiewicz was at the end of his contract with Twentieth Century- Fox--and it sure was an excellent farewell.This movie is based on real events, though a few changes were made for cinematic purposes. James Mason plays a valet in the British embassy in Turkey during WWII and he's a completely trusted but totally amoral man. To earn money for his retirement, the guy approaches the Nazis and offers to sell them secrets. What is most interesting about this movie is that you see just how stupid the Nazis and the Brits. Despite repeatedly giving them excellent information, again and again the Nazis didn't trust it and didn't take advantage of it. As for the Brits, you wouldn't think that they'd let an Albanian valet to have such access to secrets! Still, it's a very fascinating story--one that is well made and well worth your time.

One of the best scenes was the scene where he opens the safe for his last photo session without setting off the alarm and then the cleaning lady plugs in the missing fuse and sets off the alarm causing him to flee. One fault I could find in the film was when he opens the safe after the combination was changed. It seems that the new combination would not have been given to him. I also liked in an earlier part, he brings the countess a drink, then after he establishes "equality" with her, tells her to "bring him a drink" I don't think anyone could have guessed the ending. It came as a total surprise; counterfeit money; perfect

One of my all time favorites among great films. I had never seen James Mason before and I became his instant fan. How very suave and cool he portrayed Diello. I cannot think of another person who could have carried that role better.His portrayal of the perfect valet was no less than a calm,ruthless spy.If I were very rich I could ask for no other man Friday than Diello. Location shooting in Turkey was quite authentic in producing the right atmosphere and all the supporting characters came across perfectly, especially the beautiful Danielle Darrieux. The story's surprise ending makes watching this thriller most satisfying and beyond just entertaining.

A movie about a master spy cannot get better than this. It's all there: the stupid officials, the double crossings, the beautiful, conniving lady, the big plans and an excellent, riveting suspense scene involving a dutiful Turkish cleaning woman. Alfred Hitchcock could not have done it better.5 Fingers finds both director Joseph L. Mankiewicz and James Mason in top form. The role of an Albanian who rose to become personal butler of a British Ambassador is tailor made for that great British actor. His character Ulysses Diello is so SMUG, it is really hard not to like him. Diello has a dream that is very common and simple: He wants to get up there, in a white dinner jacket - it's absolutely disarming! French actress Danielle Darrieux gives great support and brings elegance and style to the movie.Curious detail: The story is based on a book, recounting true events, by a former member of the German diplomatic staff in Ankara, called L. C. Moyzisch. The Moyzisch character also stars in the movie – as the principal buffoon of the picture! Would be interesting to know how the real man reacted to this movie.