While on vacation in Istanbul, mystery novelist Cornelius Leyden (Peter Lorre) is given the opportunity to view the body of the recently deceased criminal mastermind Dimitrios Makropoulos (Zachary Scott). Upon seeing the body, Leyden becomes obsessed with uncovering the story behind the crime lord's rise to power. With the help of local police Colonel Haki (Kurt Katch), Leyden journeys across Europe, piecing together a sordid narrative of Makropoulos' life and uncovering long-buried secrets.
Sydney Greenstreet
Zachary Scott
Faye Emerson
Peter Lorre
Director Jean Negulesco
Screenplay Frank Gruber
Producer Henry Blanke
Cinematography Arthur Edeson
Editing Frederick Richards
Music Adolph Deutsch
Distributor Warner Bros.
Film Noir Confidential