FOREIGN INTRIGUE was based on the 1951-54 TV series (retitled DATELINE EUROPE for syndication), which was in turn based on a 1940s radio play. The suspense program changed format a few times, but whether it was about a secret agent, a private eye, or an insurance investigator, it was always espionage in noir mode, shot on 16mm film on European locations instead of videotaped on a backlot. Very unusual for its day. Never seen an episode myself but I'd like to.
The feature film version starring Robert Mitchum, Genevieve Page and a very young Ingrid Thulin is a fine exercise in visual noir and dramatic style. Unlike TV episodes that are recut into a feature or features adapted from TV programs, FOREIGN INTRIGUE doesn't seem rushed or cheap. It's a legitimate stand-alone 35mm film. TCM airs a clean, widescreen, fully restored print every two or three years. It is essential viewing for Bob Mitchum fans and a pleasure to watch just for the dye-transfer color and exotic locations. .
TV episodes would make a nice supplement on a Blu-ray.
The Spanish DVD is full-screen, badly interlaced, unrestored, and overpriced:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X1CLR6/sr=1-1/qid=1329350484/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1329350484&sr=1-1&seller=
Orson Welles' tried to do something along similar lines with MR. ARKADIN but, circumstances being what they were, was unable to pull it off successfully. He would have been right at home in FOREIGN INTRIGUE, however.
