Not to be confused with the Emil Jannings vehicle of the same title and vintage, the British Betrayal was adapted from The Marquis of Bolibar, a novel by Leo Peretz. Set during the Napoleonic wars, the story takes place in a Spanish village, presently occupied by the French army. A patriotic marquis conspires with a band of English and Spanish spies to reclaim the village from the French. Even though he knows this action will result in his execution, the marquis boldly carries out his part of the scheme. The "betrayal" of the title involves four French officers who are led astray by the tempestuous Spanish mistress of their commanding officer. The woman, of course, is in league with the marquis, whose plan succeeds brilliantly -- but alas, he does not live long enough to enjoy the fruits of his labors.
by Hal Erickson
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