Spies

Spies Cinema poster Country Germany Directed by Fritz Lang Release Date 1928 Language Silent film Studio Universum Film (UFA) Distributor Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Main Cast Character Actor Haghi Rudolf Klein-Rogge Sonya Baranilkowa Gerda Maurus Franz Paul Hörbiger Burton Jason / Miles Jason Craighall Sherry No. 326 Willy Fritsch Colonel Jellusič Fritz Rasp

Spies (original title ‘’Spione’’), directed by Fritz Lang (M, The Big Heat, Metropolis, Hangmen Also Die!) and based on the novel of the same name by Thea von Harbou, foreshadows a later cinematic superspy. The 1928 film features a suave, sophisticated, tuxedoed secret agent, known as No. 326 (Willy Fritsch), who battles a Russian criminal mastermind, Haghi (Rudolf Klein-Rogge), who is bent on provoking a world war. Haghi, bound to a motorized wheelchair, hides in a massive, secret lair, is a master of disguise, and runs agents using drugs, blackmail, miniature cameras, disappearing ink, state-of-the-art surveillance and communication devices, and, of course, sex. Lots of sex. No. 326 cracks Haghi’s operation by seducing his top female assassin, Sonya Baranilkowa (Gerda Maurus), who cannot resist the rogue spy’s charm. An international cast is filmed in various exotic, foreign locations. There is a spectacular train wreck and an exciting car chase. Sound at all familiar?

The following weapons were used in the film Spies:

Gerstenberger & Eberwein EM-GE Model 3 Starter Pistol

Haghi’s female assassin, Sonya Baranilkowa (Gerda Maurus), carries a pre-1939 Gerstenberger & Eberwein EM-GE Model 3 Starter Pistol

Gerstenberger & Eberwein pre-1939 EM-GE Model 3 Starter Pistol

Sonya relinquishes her pistol.

Mauser Pocket Pistol

Throughout the picture, various characters use a 1914 Mauser Pocket Pistol.

1914 Mauser Pocket Pistol

Throughout the film, No. 326 (Willy Fritsch) carries an 1914 Mauser Pocket Pistol.

The traitor, Colonel Jellusič (Fritz Rasp) is offered a way out of his dishonor with a 1914 Mauser Pocket Pistol.

Haghi's henchman threatens Sonya with 1914 Mauser Pocket Pistol.

Mauser C96 "Broomhandle"

Haghi’s henchmen carry a Mauser C96 "Broomhandle" throughout the film.

Mauser C96 "Broomhandle"

Haghi’s henchmen are stunned.

Sonya’s Chauffer Franz (Paul Hörbiger) fights for the Mauser.

Sonya watches the fight while strapped to a chair.

Sonya tries to help.

The Mauser points at Sonya.

Franz takes control.

Model 16 Stielhandgranate

Throughout the film, Haghi’s henchmen wield Model 16 Stielhandgranate "potato masher" grenades.

Model 16 Stielhandgranate