Spy Training Film: Body Search | WW2 Era OSS Film | ca. 1942 - ca. 1945

This classic video – originally titled as "Body Search" – is a dramatized spy training film produced by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the intelligence agency of the United States during World War 2, and the predecessor of the modern Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). It was released between circa 1942 and circa 1945, and directed by John Ford, one of the greatest directors of all time. (During WW2, Ford enlisted in the US Navy in the fall of 1941 and was appointed chief of the Field Photographic Branch of the Office of Strategic Services with the rank of commander.)

The film demonstrates and describes the body search process, and suggests ways to avoid being searched and how to avoid detection should search occur. "It tells the story of an untrained, native courier who forgot, or perhaps never knew, that the quickest way to fail in your mission is to blow your cover."

Plot:
Undercover OSS agents Fred and Steve go on mission to Enemiarea, a fictional town somewhere in Germany. Agent Frank hides microfilm under false callus on agent Steve's foot and Steve wears belt with coded message. Enemiarea secret state police arrest Steve and take him to headquarters where a counterintelligence agent and a doctor perform a full body search. They use optical devices and chemical agents to search his clothes and other personal items. Enemiarea agents discover the microfilm and the message on Steve's belt...

BACKGROUND / CONTEXT

Definition of Body Search:
A body search, also known as strip search, is a practice of searching a person for weapons or other contraband suspected of being hidden on their body or inside their clothing, and not found by performing a frisk search (also called a pat down), by requiring the person to remove some or in some cases all of his or her clothing. The search may involve an official performing an intimate person search and inspecting their personal effects and body cavities (nostrils, ears, mouth, navel, etc.). A body search is more intrusive than a frisk search and requires legal authority (typically conducted by customs officials or the police). Regulations covering body searches vary considerably, and may be mandatory in some situations or discretionary in others.

Espionage & Counterintelligence:
Espionage (colloquially, spying) is the obtaining of secret or confidential information without the permission of the holder of the information. Spies help agencies uncover secret information. Any individual or spy ring (a cooperating group of spies), in the service of a government, company or independent operation, can commit espionage. The practice is clandestine, as it is by definition unwelcome and in many cases illegal and punishable by law. Espionage is a subset of "intelligence" gathering, which includes espionage as well as information gathering from public sources.

One of the most effective ways to gather data and information about the enemy (or potential enemy) is by infiltrating the enemy's ranks. This is the job of the spy (espionage agent). Spies can return all sorts of information concerning the size and strength of enemy forces. They can also find dissidents within the enemy's forces and influence them to defect. In times of crisis, spies can also oblige to steal technology and sabotage the enemy in various ways. Counterintelligence is the practice of various means of thwarting enemy espionage and intelligence-gathering. Almost all nations have strict laws concerning espionage and the penalty for being caught is often severe. However, the benefits through espionage are often great enough that most governments and many large corporations make use of it to varying degrees.

For more information on this topic, see:

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Spy Training Film: Body Search | WW2 Era OSS Film | ca. 1942 - ca. 1945

TBFA_0203

NOTE: THIS VIDEO REPRESENTS HISTORY. THE VIDEO HAS BEEN UPLOADED WITH EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. ITS TOPIC IS REPRESENTED WITHIN CONTEXT.

[sandwichbreath]

I like how Steve's already caught and done for halfway into the video, but the narrator keeps trolling him anyway.

[NaderR]

If you ever know a spy or someone who works in the intelligence, that guy should change careers.

[atlantaguitar]

Steve fell for the oldest move in the spy book - spy women.

[AustinJASMR]

11:11 It was at this moment Steve realized he had nothing left to live for

[InstantGamingNTW]

“still think you have a chance Steve” bro was held at gun point

[onerepublicrox]

The narrator absolutely roasting Steve

[MovieStuff-ugcq]

18:45 "Walking ahead of the enemy not into your enemy" wise words

[poetcomic]

They left out the part where they torture and kill him.

[ShotTGK]

Can we talk about the hat throw at 6:15? You can see it land on the table in the mirror

[chris]

How it started in the relationship : 1:47

How it ended: 11:03

[zulubeatz]

How pissed you would be if you were not a spy and wearing your best suit.

[rippleandgrendel]

Love the plaque at 5:45. "Headquarters secret state police". Don't tell anyone its here.

[AyaneOfDeath]

12:09-12:15 That static and the reactions priceless lol

[Nobodyknowsme-qs]

I gotta love these old 1940’s films they just feel nostalgic

[gusbakeru]

8:03 body search ASMR, they were way ahead of their time back in the 40's.

[johntaylor]

I like how the actors are just talking regularly and aren't using some exaggerated German accent "You are ze vorst spy in ze whole vide vorld."

[skipads]

7:40 "Yeah, Frank did a good job."
"Poor Steve, you're in for a blow."
Great dialogue as he's stripping down.
14:31 "Microscopes take over. Searching for pin pricks. No area is too small."
Bruh, you don't have to humiliate his prick like that.

[princessinmittens]

Where do you find such interesting content?... Oh wait! A spy would never tell where he gets his information...

[flamingmuffin]

6:22 "No smoking"
10:19 "I'll smoke your cigarette"

[Average_Ebirah_Enjoyer]

9:22 "they Pry into your Ears"
Doc proceeds to gently and slowly examine the ears*