Istanbul (1957)

Directed by Joseph Pevney and released by Universal Pictures, Istanbul is a CinemaScope noir thriller starring Errol Flynn in one of his later roles. Set against the bustling backdrop of postwar Turkey, the film is a remake of Singapore (1947), with the action relocated to Istanbul and the intrigue dialed up through espionage, romance, and stolen jewels.

Plot Summary
Jim Brennan (Errol Flynn), a former pilot suspected of diamond smuggling, returns to Istanbul after five years. He’s immediately questioned by customs inspector R.P. Nural (John Bentley), who suspects him of illegal activity. At his old hotel, Jim is haunted by memories of Stephanie Bauer (Cornell Borchers), a woman he believed dead. To his shock, she’s alive—but suffering from amnesia and unaware of their past.

As Jim tries to rekindle their relationship, he’s drawn into a web of deception involving a stolen diamond bracelet, a murdered merchant, and a ruthless smuggling ring led by Mr. Darius (Martin Benson). With the police closing in and Stephanie caught in the crossfire, Jim must navigate betrayal and danger to uncover the truth and reclaim the life he lost.

Cast Highlights

• Errol Flynn as Jim Brennan
• Cornell Borchers as Stephanie Bauer
• John Bentley as Inspector Nural
• Martin Benson as Mr. Darius
• Leif Erickson and Peggy Knudsen as American tourists
• Nat ‘King’ Cole as Danny Rice, who performs “When I Fall in Love” in a memorable nightclub scene
• Werner Klemperer, Vladimir Sokoloff, and Torin Thatcher in supporting roles

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

• Flynn was paid $13,500 per week for his role, a significant sum for the time
• This was Peggy Knudsen’s final film appearance, though she continued working in television until 1962
• The film’s nightclub scenes, featuring Nat King Cole, were designed to echo the romantic atmosphere of Casablanca
• Flynn’s performance was noted as subdued, reflecting his declining health and career in the late 1950s
• The film premiered in New York City on January 23, 1957, and was distributed internationally, including a theatrical release in France