Contraband is a Micheal Powell production, so you know there will be lively cinematography. Conrad Veidt and Valerie Hobson play cat and mouse as sea captain and British agent. Part of the film has some suspense, but the Marx Brothers element of the Danish clan in Britain, unfortunately, removes a great deal of the reality of the subject matter. Yes, there is nothing wrong in lightening up a serious film once in awhile, but when the comedy tries to overtake the seriousness of the plot, it begins to be detrimental, rather than a bit of comic relief. In this instance, Powell allowed too much fantasy and lightheartedness in what could have been a much better film.
Review of Blackout
