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Mark’s two movie reviews and more.

Firstly, I will do a bit of reporting. The sea cows on the View echoed what liberal women have been saying for the last six months, “We don’t need men.” I have had my fill of this short-sightedness. Forget about procreating or careers that women can do because of the lack of male strength needed to do the tasks of those jobs. Civilization would come crashing down if all men went on strike for even a month. Moreover, there are not enough women in the technical fields to fill the vacated positions. President Brandon is repeating his lie that then-President Trump told Americans to inject themselves with bleach if they contracted Covid-19. That is the stupidest lie ever told by President Brandon. President Obama, President Clinton, or their wives have never told that whopper because it is even a bridge too far for them.

In other news, President Brandon is now flying aliens by the thousands to the interior of the nations. What has changed is before the aliens had to buy their plane tickets. But now, President Brandon is making YOU pay to fly thousands of aliens to wherever you live. In good news, Tulsi Gabbard told Tucker Carlson she would be proud to serve along with President Trump to turn the country around. Tucker asked Tulsi if she would accept a VP offer from President Trump. I have liked Tusi for years. Another good pick from President Trump would be Kristi Noem. From my first exposure to their sincerity, I’ve been sweet on these two women.

-Movie Reviews-

I spend some of the dark hours interacting with Google’s AI Gemini. Most of the time I spend with Gemini is an effort to stump it. In the beginning it was an easy task. I watched two movies that so moved me that I thought they were worthy of being reviewed by me. Then I thought, “I wonder how well Gemini would do with these two reviews. It took 13 rewrites between these two movies. Both movies are based on actual events. The movies are, The Odessa File, and Triple Cross. Both can be viewed for free on Tubi.com.

The Odessa File.

In the chaotic aftermath of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963, Hamburg journalist Peter Miller, played by Jon Voight, stumbles upon a haunting discovery. The recent suicide of a Holocaust survivor leaves behind a diary filled with chilling details. It recounts the horrors inflicted by a notorious SS officer, “The Butcher of Riga,” and a bombshell revelation: the man claims to have recognized the Butcher alive and well in modern-day Germany.

This detail strikes a deep chord within Miller. The diary describes a specific detail about a German soldier it claims the Butcher murdered – a detail about a military decoration. The diary mentions an Iron Cross, a medal awarded for bravery, but with a crucial distinction – it bore three oak clusters. No soldier of his rank or below in the entire German army ever received such an honor. The name of the murdered soldier? Peter Miller’s father.

Fueled by a thirst for justice and a burning rage, Miller embarks on a relentless investigation. He seeks guidance from the famed Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal, who unveils the existence of Odessa, a shadowy organization protecting high-ranking Nazis. Before Miller can delve deeper, Mossad agents whisk him away. Initially suspicious, he convinces them of his genuine mission. Recognizing his potential, they offer a daring proposition: become a deep-cover operative and infiltrate Odessa from within.

Weeks of grueling training follow. Mossad agents transform Miller from a tenacious journalist into a convincing Nazi imposter. He learns to navigate the ideology, mannerisms, and even the subtle camaraderie that binds former SS officers. The danger extends beyond Odessa itself. Miller’s girlfriend becomes a target of their watchful eyes, adding a layer of personal threat to his mission.

A critical element of Miller’s training involves a Mossad agent meticulously drilling him in pistol handling and marksmanship. These skills will prove crucial as he navigates the treacherous world of Odessa.

As Miller gains the trust of Odessa members, a horrifying plot unfolds. The Nazis aren’t just seeking refuge; they’re collaborating with Egypt, supplying them with advanced rocket technology that could devastate Israel. The mission becomes a desperate race against time – to expose the Butcher, dismantle Odessa, and prevent a catastrophic attack.

Through his undercover work and a daring heist, Miller obtains the incriminating Odessa file, a treasure trove of evidence that exposes the organization’s network. Fueled by rage and a need for justice, Miller confronts Roschmann at his opulent estate. The confrontation explodes in violence – Roschmann reaches for a concealed gun, but Miller, honed by his Mossad training, is quicker. In a desperate struggle, Miller overpowers Roschmann, killing him. The police arrive and arrest Miller. However, with the stolen Odessa file serving as a powerful bargaining chip, Miller is eventually released without charges.

The film ends with a bittersweet victory. Numerous war criminals are apprehended thanks to the Odessa file. Justice is served, and the horrors of the past are brought to light. “The Odessa File” is a gripping tale of courage, sacrifice, and the unwavering pursuit of justice in the face of unimaginable evil.

Triple Cross.

In the heart of World War II, “Triple Cross” (1966) unravels the incredible true story of Eddie Chapman (played by Christopher Plummer), a charismatic safecracker with a checkered past. Incarcerated on the Nazi-occupied island of Jersey, Chapman hatches a daring plan to exploit the chaos of war for his own gain.

Transformation into a Nazi Spy:

Chapman, known for his bravado and quick wit, spins a tale of disillusionment with the British government, painting himself as a skilled operative eager to strike back. To assess his loyalty and skills, the Germans put Chapman through a rigorous training program. This program isn’t just about espionage tactics. The Nazis drill him in Nazi ideology, attempting to erase any doubts about his allegiance. They train him in sabotage techniques, weaponry, and even radio communication, ensuring he can operate effectively behind enemy lines in England. Notably, they even grant him the rank of Lieutenant within the German army, further bolstering his cover.

Playing Both Sides for a Price:

Chapman, ever the shrewd negotiator, drives a hard bargain with both sides. He demands a hefty sum from the Germans, a staggering £100,000, promising valuable intelligence in return. With the British, the negotiations are more complex. Chapman demands a full pardon for his extensive criminal record, which includes convictions for theft and safecracking. The British, played by actors like Trevor Howard, are aware of his past, but the potential benefits of a double agent with Chapman’s skills and access outweigh the risks, especially after the destruction of his criminal records in the German bombings of London. This twist strengthens Chapman’s bargaining position, and he secures both a pardon and a significant sum of money from the British.

A Double Agent Walks a Tightrope:

Codenamed “Zigzag,” Chapman embarks on his undercover mission for the Germans as a Lieutenant. However, upon landing in England, he immediately contacts British intelligence, revealing his true allegiance. Now a double agent, Chapman feeds the Germans fabricated information while secretly relaying vital details about their operations back to the British. He navigates a world of constant suspicion, walking a tightrope between the two sides. The film masterfully portrays the psychological strain and ever-present danger of being a double agent.

The Final Reflection:

As the war reaches its climax, Chapman’s actions have a significant impact on Allied operations. The film leaves the audience to ponder the true extent of his contribution to the war effort. The final scene takes place in a pub after the war. When asked by a former intelligence officer, someone he had worked with in feeding disinformation to the Germans (not a stranger), which side he was truly on, Chapman doesn’t answer. Instead, the camera pans to a mirror behind the bar, reflecting his image. This ambiguous ending leaves viewers to question his motivations – was he a patriot, a conman, or something in between? The film doesn’t explicitly state whether the pardon Chapman received became irrelevant due to the destroyed records, but it leaves that implication hanging in the air.

A Note on Chapman’s Post-War Activities:

While the film leaves the audience with a sense of uncertainty regarding Chapman’s future, it’s important to note that artistic license is sometimes taken in movies. Historical records indicate that Chapman did not resume his life of crime after the war.

“Triple Cross” is a captivating exploration of wartime espionage, showcasing the complexities of human nature and the blurred line between patriotism and self-interest. It’s a story where the lines between hero and villain are continuously blurred, making it a thought-provoking and suspenseful cinematic experience.

Additional Cast:

The film boasts a stellar cast alongside Christopher Plummer. Gert Fröbe portrays the suspicious Colonel Steinhager, while Yul Brynner takes on the role of the enigmatic Colonel Baron von Grunen. Romy Schneider adds a touch of intrigue as the alluring Countess, and Trevor Howard portrays the shrewd British intelligence officer Freddie Young.

Enjoy!