Yellow Canary

Yellow Canary

Year: 1943

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: Herbert Wilcox

WarDramaThriller

Blonde and Beautiful…Despised and Hated!… A socialite poses as a Nazi spy to mask her activities as a British agent.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Yellow Canary (1943)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Yellow Canary (1943). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

World War II era (1939-1945)

Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, the film centers on covert operations, Nazi espionage, and the strategic importance of Atlantic convoys. London endures bombing raids, while port towns like Halifax become focal points of intelligence activity. The narrative uses wartime secrecy and urgent missions to drive the plot.

Location

Atlantic Ocean, Halifax, Nova Scotia, London

Most of the action unfolds aboard a passenger liner crossing the Atlantic toward Canada. The ship is intercepted near Halifax, exposing a tense web of espionage among the passengers and crew. The story then shifts to wartime London as Sally and Jim confront the consequences of the mission and return home to her family.

🗺️ Wartime Settings 🚢 Sea Voyage 🎭 Espionage Atmosphere

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:43

Main Characters – Yellow Canary (1943)

Meet the key characters of Yellow Canary (1943), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sally Maitland (Anna Neagle)

Sally is a deep-cover British agent posing as a Nazi sympathizer to shadow Jan Orlock. She uses wit and nerve to navigate a dangerous network while maintaining her cover. Her quick thinking, courage, and capacity to assume risk drive the investigation and lead to critical revelations.

🕵️‍♀️ Spy 🎭 Deception 💪 Courage

Jim Garrick (Richard Greene)

Jim is a British intelligence officer who becomes a protective ally for Sally. He works from the shadows to uncover the conspiracy and rescue Sally when danger peaks. His loyalty and improvisational skill help avert catastrophe and advance the mission.

🕵️‍♂️ Intelligence 🤝 Loyalty 🔎 Investigation

Jan Orlock ( Albert Lieven)

Jan is a Polish officer embedded with the Nazis, posing a true threat as Sally’s target. He is capable, secretive, and driven by a hidden agenda, revealing the depth of the spy ring he funds and leads. His alliances shift as the plot unfolds and exposes the conspiracy.

🕵️‍♂️ Spy ⚔️ Antagonist 🧭 Manipulation

Madame Orlock (Sybille Binder)

Madame Orlock leads the covert spy ring and is revealed to be the mastermind behind the plot, not the invalid mother she pretends to be. She orchestrates the explosive plan and coordinates other conspirators, demonstrating ruthless strategic thinking. Her leadership is the central axis of the espionage network.

🕵️‍♀️ Mastermind 🧭 Manipulation 💼 Authority

Lady Maitland (Marjorie Fielding)

Lady Maitland is Sally Maitland’s noble mother, grounding the personal stakes of Sally’s family life. She embodies the domestic front of wartime Britain and provides social context to Sally’s dual existence. Her presence highlights the costs of espionage on loved ones.

🎖️ Family 🏰 Aristocracy 🕊️ Domestic

Admiral (David Horne)

The Admiral is a naval authority figure connected to the intelligence operations in the narrative. He represents the formal military structure within which Sally and Jim operate, and the urgency of protecting convoy routes. His role underscores the wartime command environment.

⚓ Military Authority 🧭 Command 🛡️ Strategy

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:43

Major Themes – Yellow Canary (1943)

Explore the central themes of Yellow Canary (1943), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️ Espionage

The story revolves around undercover work, double identities, and the danger of exposure. Sally pretends to align with the Nazis to uncover the spy network, while Jim maneuvers within intelligence circles to protect her. The tension comes from deciphering who among the passengers and staff can be trusted.

🤝 Loyalty

Loyalty is tested as allies balance personal risk with national duty. Jim’s commitment to Sally supersedes initial professional distance, while Sally’s allegiance shifts as she uncovers the scope of the conspiracy. The film explores where true loyalty truly lies under pressure.

❤️ Romance Amid War

Amid danger, a romance blooms between Sally and Jim, complicating their professional roles. The relationship provides emotional stakes that intersect with espionage and deception. Their marriage at the end signals a personal victory within a war-torn world.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:43

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Yellow Canary Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Yellow Canary, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Yellow Canary Summary

Yellow Canary Timeline

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Yellow Canary Timeline

More About Yellow Canary

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