The Spy Ring (1938): cast, story & where to watch

1938 · Film · ★ 4.5

The Spy Ring poster

Released in 1938, The Spy Ring is a drama, crime, adventure and mystery film directed by Joseph H. Lewis, running about 61 minutes. “Plotters Gamble Death for Anti-Aircraft Secrets!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Two American-army officers are working on a new type of machine-gun for anti-aircraft warfare, when one of them is murdered. The other vows to get the spies that are after the invention and avenge his friend's death.

Who’s in it. The Spy Ring stars William Hall as Capt. Todd Hayden, Jane Wyman as Elaine Burdette, Esther Ralston as Jean Bruce (as Jane Carleton) and Robert Warwick as Col. Burdette, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 4.5/10, The Spy Ring has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Spy Ring page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Spy Ring tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Spy Ring (1938)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Spy Ring change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Spy Ring worth watching?
The Spy Ring holds an audience score of 4.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama, crime, adventure and mystery. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Spy Ring?
The Spy Ring stars William Hall, Jane Wyman, Esther Ralston, Robert Warwick and Leon Ames.
When was The Spy Ring released?
The Spy Ring was released in 1938, with a runtime of about 61 minutes.