Who directed Operator 13 and when was it released?
Operator 13 was directed by Richard Boleslawski and released in 1934. It is an American pre-Code romance film based on stories written by Robert W. Chambers.
Questions about Operator 13
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who stars in Operator 13?
Marion Davies plays the lead role of Gail Loveless, also known as Operator 13. Gary Cooper plays Captain Jack Gailliard, and Jean Parker appears as Eleanor Shackleford.
What is the plot of Operator 13?
Operator 13 follows a Union spy who disguises herself in blackface as an octaroon maid to gather intelligence in Confederate territory during the Civil War. Complications arise when she falls in love with Captain Gailliard, the Confederate officer assigned to hunt down the spy in his midst.
Did Operator 13 win any Academy Awards?
The film did not win an Academy Award, but cinematographer George J. Folsey received a nomination for Best Cinematography for his work on the film.
How much money did Operator 13 make at the box office?
Operator 13 grossed $1,010,000 total, with $619,000 from the United States and Canada and $391,000 from other markets. Despite this, the film resulted in a loss of $226,000.
Is Operator 13 referenced in other films?
Yes. The 1935 Three Stooges short Uncivil Warriors parallels the plot of Operator 13 and uses the same naming convention for its spy characters. The 1941 film noir I Wake Up Screaming also references the title directly, with Victor Mature's character calling someone a "regular Operator 13."