Vote to Get “I Was an American Spy” on TCM & DVD

Anyone who has taken a look at the FAQs on this site knows that the most asked Ann Dvorak question is “Where can I get a copy of I Was an American Spy?” In the eleven years I have been collecting on Miss Dvorak, I have never been able to find a copy of the 1951 Allied Artists film. My understanding is that Warner Bros has a print, but no plans to release it on DVD.

Turner Classic Movies has a “Suggest a Movie” feature, as well as a “Home Video Vote.” Both are available on their I Was an American Spy page.

So, start clicking, suggesting and voting so we can finally see this movie!

13 Comments

  1. Catherine Graham December 2, 2008

    I have spoken to Warner Brothers and it seems this movie is lost in the Archives. I voted on TCM and would love to buy the DVD for my Aunt. I have been searching for this movie for almost 8 years. I even have contacted Eddie Brandt’s in Hollywood: 818-506-4242 They were recommended by Warner’s but was told this is one of the ‘top 10 lost movies’ If you ever find it, please contact me!

  2. admin December 2, 2008

    Hi Catherine, I have also been in touch with Warner Bros, who said they would set up a screening for $500 which is a little steep, but if someone wants to split the cost with me…

    -Christina

  3. April December 8, 2008

    Ann Dvorak is actually playing my cousin in this movie (Claire Phillips). My mother has been trying to get a hold of the film for at least 10 year. When Time-Warner merged they informed her the movie had been lost. My family would love to get a hold of it, but I’m coming to grips with the reality that it will probably never happen.

  4. admin December 8, 2008

    Hi April, I have been in touch with two people at Warner Bros who confirmed that they do own a copy of this movie. As I mentioned in a previous comment, I was told they would arrange a screening for $500. Rumor has it that the print was recently restored, so keep your fingers crossed that something will happen in the near future.

    -Christina

  5. Wendy January 13, 2009

    This would be very exciting, I think it may come about, “you never know what the tide will bring in.” from the Motion Picture, “Cast Away.”

  6. Adolph Orio January 23, 2009

    Please release a copy of the movie “I was an american spy” a orio

  7. Catherine Graham February 23, 2009

    Hi Christina,

    Sorry, it’s been awhile since I checked this site. I would be willing to split the cost. Send me an email with a phone number to contact you. I can be reached at: cathy.graham@ey.com

  8. April March 26, 2009

    The movie has been released!
    www.wbshop.com/I-Was-an-American-Spy-+MOD/1000087942,default,pd.html?cgid=ARCHIVEBYDECADE

    If you can’t access the link just google “I Was an American Spy WB” and click on the first link that comes up! Thank you to whoever sent me the e-mail telling me it was released! This is so exciting!

  9. admin March 26, 2009

    Hey April. That was me who emailed you about the film’s release. Enjoy the movie!

    -Christina

  10. bill force May 17, 2010

    I was an American Spy is out in DVD.

  11. admin May 17, 2010

    Thanks for the comment.

    The long anticipated release of the film was noted on later posts, but this one always comes up first on search engine results:
    www.anndvorak.com/cms/?p=288

    www.anndvorak.com/cms/?p=299

  12. doris ezell August 21, 2013

    i have been hunting I was an American spy for years, but I thought it starred Claire trevor. she played tokoyo rose and in one scene they used a water hose down her throat to make her talk. is this the same one.

  13. admin August 21, 2013

    There is a scene with the hose, but it’s Ann Dvorak as Claire “High Pockets” Phillips, and not Claire Trevor. Fortunately, “I Was an American Spy” is now readily available through the Warner Archive.

    www.wbshop.com/product/i+was+an+american+spy+1000179502.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search

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