Alfred Hitchcock set this thriller in the volatile political era leading up to WWII – which, at the time, since the time was 1940, meant it was as current as current could be. Joel McCrea stars in the title role, as a reporter chronicling world events with passion and bravery. An on-screen notation at the start of the film dedicates it to foreign correspondents everywhere – a dedication that’s just as meaningful, and appropriate, today.