Garbo: The Greatest Double Agent of World War 2 | True Life Spy Stories

Listen to my spy stories on the Heroes & Traitors with Philip Thompson podcast!
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Primary sources (afiiliate links):
📕 Agent Garbo: The Brilliant, Eccentric Secret Agent Who Tricked Hitler and Saved D-day, Stephen Talty - amzn.to/4anSNkn
📕 Operation Garbo: The Personal Story of the Most Successful Spy of World War II, Juan Pujol Garcia & Nigel West - amzn.to/3QNz6M4
📕 Garbo: The Spy Who Saved D-Day, National Archives - amzn.to/3K2eagu
Media shown in this video (affiliate links):
🎞️ A Man Escaped (1956) - amzn.to/3wKyznq
🎞️ Above Suspicion (1943) - amzn.to/4bwxiQ4
🎞️ Cloak And Dagger (1946) - amzn.to/4anHrwY
🎞️ Eye Of The Needle (1981) - amzn.to/44WQQdS
🎞️ For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943) - amzn.to/3K9SvmA
🎞️ Foreign Correspondent (1940) - amzn.to/4avnHHQ
🎞️ Inglourious Bastards (2009) - amzn.to/3wM2Imf
🎞️ Night Train To Munich (1940) - amzn.to/3WSDjlp
🎞️ School For Danger (1947) - • School For Danger (1943)
🎞️ The Eagle Has Landed (1976) - amzn.to/4dHeOOh
🎞️ The Third Man (1949) - amzn.to/3V4WzuC
🎞️ The World At War (1973) - amzn.to/3QS5Bc0
🎞️ They Met In The Dark (1943) - amzn.to/3wzME78
🎞️ They Raid By Night (1942) - amzn.to/3K8iGtR
🎞️ While At War (2019) - amzn.to/3V61HPk
🎞️ World War II in Colour (2009) - amzn.to/3QS5Bc0
1939, Barcelona. Amidst the ruins of the Spanish Civil War, a man finds himself standing at a crossroads. The brutality of the conflict in his own country has left him disillusioned, and the ominous spectre of Nazi Germany looms large over Europe. He can continue to run and to hide, or he can face his enemy dead on and fight against tyranny.
Armed with nothing more than his wits and imagination, Juan Pujol Garcia embarks on a remarkable journey that would transform him from a chicken farmer and a failed businessman into a self-made spy. His elaborate network of fictional sub-agents, he has Nazis hanging on his every word. As the Allies meticulously plan their invasion of Normandy and the liberation of Europe, he becomes their secret weapon, masterfully deceiving the enemy.
Arguably the most successful double-agent in all recorded history, this is the true story of the brilliant, eccentric Agent GARBO - the myth, the spy, the legend.
#philipthompson #truelifespystories #agentgarbo

[@ShmuelMe]

Every single one is better than the previous. Simply incredible.

[@danceyrselfkleen]

The glazing is crazy wow

[@Ayed96]

Is anyone else like me addicted to WW1 & WW2 stories??

[@jamescooksey8630]

O yeah...

[@maryanne7414]

Yes.

[@sibusisotshabalala3662]

I think thes a bunch of us 🤣💯🤞

[@rashmeemisra6278]

Add me on to the list😂

[@chadczternastek]

I been this way since I was barely able to read. It was a two inch thick Life book on WW2. I've been fascinated acutely ever since.

[@GaryPritchard]

So well narrated and illustrated Philip. These videos are so interesting. Keep up the brilliant work

[@SkyGlitchGalaxy]

What an amazing story. I almost can't believe it's even possible.

[@Son_of_Mandalore]

An absolute masterpiece Philip. I have been a fan and subscriber for a while now, as you know, and I always enjoy days when we get a new video, this is by far my favourite. An epic story of intrigue and daring accompanied by a superlative script and beautifully narrated. This is why I subscribe and why I look forward to days like this. Thank you.

[@PhilipThompson]

Thank you so much! It is feedback like this that motivates me to keep going.

[@mrsapplez2007]

@@Son_of_Mandalore Agreed

[@par5ia]

Love that his motivations for spying were pure. I was shocked to learn from this channel that so many spies took on the risk just for personal gain

[@DJJ81]

Nice, Bro. Been hoping for a Garbo video. Also Dusco Popov. Can’t wait for that one. I feel like you’re going to be more objective about Popov than most other channels or docs about him.

[@PhilipThompson]

Popov is very likely to be the subject of my next video!

[@igorfilipovic6531]

Duško Popov

[@tonygomes6306]

GARBO...... This word in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian also means how a man carries himself; it means to behave as possessing mobility of character, generosity, gravitas, and always putting principles above expediency. Pursuit of excellence in private and public life.

[@TeddyBelcher4kultrawide]

And garbage 🗑

[@tonygomes6306]

@@TeddyBelcher4kultrawide belching Teddy?!!!!

[@kathrynaston6841]

The mora we learn, the more we realize that these men and women really were THE greatest generation.

[@guylaurie819]

Cometh the hour, cometh the man

[@darrenhillman8396]

Another fascinating story of ultimately, a very humble, yet brave and determined man. Thank you for your efforts in research, production, editing and narration.

[@PhilipThompson]

Thank you Darren, and I'm pleased to see you returning to each upload!

[@Reggaesoundtv1]

I am also attracted to WW1&WW2 stories.

[@alastairdickins]

Thanks. Fascinating details i didn't know about his early life, and a very professional documentary.

[@mrsapplez2007]

Just finished work and this is perfect timing for my post work Friday chill. Thank you for ya hard work. OMG and as a podcast.....PERFECT. Cheer mate. Bright blessings

[@user-rk5el6vu7v]

i love your videos because i know you work hard on them and how much time and effort it takes for you knowing that it will never be perfect but you put it out there anyway. also from your videos ive become fluent in multiple foreign language just so i can read their declassified documents

[@Forevermade32]

Yet another masterpiece thank you so much for your work Philip

[@Trav81888]

Good glory Phil I’ve been waiting for this one. Thank you for this Friday night treat. Great night to be home suspended from work 😅

[@themazeballet]

This was very well written and researched, and I enjoyed your subtle humour and way of explaining things.

[@CrazyAika94]

I only knew the minimum of details of his efforts, and I am glad to have heard about his life and ideals. Thanks for all the research you are sharing with us!

[@cd14h85]

I'm so happy you made this video. I found your channel a few weeks ago and scoured it for a video about Juan Garcia. Thank you!

[@G33_528_]

I’m literally hooked on all your videos

[@0therun1t21]

I've been looking forward to this, your uploads are like a special occasion and I'm finally awake enough to pay attentiion. Great channel you've made here, thank you! Power Vacuum would be a good name for my imaginary girl band.

[@xaviertarre8279]

Thanks for your work, and for pronouncing his last name (Pujol) correctly in catalan

[@lynnschaeferle-zh4go]

I don’t know as much as I thought. Thanks for a quality production

[@file13whereareyou]

I so enjoy the history you tell. Thank you so very much. My eyesight is not good, so reading is not good for me anymore. I relate some of your info to friends whom ( I hope) like my condensed lessons, lol. If you illustrate history well enough, ppl enjoy listening and learn from you, especially younger folks. God bless.

[@clintbeastwood8240]

What a great story!

[@joeylowry874]

Great video as always, thank you!

[@chrisvickers7928]

I have read, and watched, many histories of Juan Pujol Garcia. One source claimed he was personally worth a division at D-Day. This is the most detailed single account of his amazing career.

[@jimwilliams9225]

Great stuff as always!

[@gustavhenriksen591]

This adds an amazing perspective to the tremendous effort that was put into D-day, for nerds like me:D THANK YOU!

[@vladvlog9677]

Very well researched and put together.

[@chipndahla]

Fantastic story. What a man. What a life. Well told.

[@RichardBaran]

Wow you sir are sadly underrated!

[@briggsak05]

An amazing opportunity for service.

[@dhampir15]

Your videos are always a pleasure to watch :)

[@phillip5505]

Must've been so painful for him to go through all that only for his wife to leave him and take their kids to go live under Franco.

[@rodolfo5022]

He didn't participate in the Spanish Civil War. He never held a personal grudge to Franco nor the nationalsts. Watch the video again.

[@Giogoalie]

Another great video! 👍 keep it up!

[@189nine]

Been waiting for you to do a video on Garbo. Great stuff!

[@agxryt]

Love these videos - think it's a little bit ironic to say someone is a humanist, but lacks generosity. Feel like those two are intertwined

[@chadczternastek]

Epic story. Just amazing.

[@CTP909]

Been waiting in to you cover Garbo

[@alicemesa9436]

EXCELLENT.!!!

[@fredjones554]

Excellent video.

[@tonygomes6306]

I learned new facts about Juan Pujol... I have watched a large number of documentaries about Juan Pujol, an extraordinarily and very unique character.... Excellent video ..... By the way, you must pronounce the " J " in " Pujol" as you pronounce the " H " in " holy "... Best regards...

[@amvanleeuwen594]

Bedankt

[@PhilipThompson]

Thank you so much!

[@gustavappelros3473]

Excellent video. You gained a subscriber

[@JimMilton-ej6zi]

I don't think he did it for some personal crusade or noble reason, i think he saw it as a get rich quick scheme and was just a really good liar, and i think that last part sums up his entire character, i think he's just the kind of guy who would tell you what you want to hear if it means there's something in it for him. He did good but honestly i believe it was purely coincidental that he happened to do as well as he did.

[@Archangelm127]

11:00 - Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you mixed up MI5 and MI6. If I'm not mistaken, MI5 was concerned with counterintelligence (defense), and MI6 with operations (offense).

[@PhilipThompson]

It's quite possible I got them mixed 😬

[@Archangelm127]

@@PhilipThompson It happens. You got them right for the rest of the video, FWIW. Love your work! ❤

[@jorgegustavoortiz7717]

Amazing story I didn't know about...

[@andreforthegreatergood]

I love your work. Thank you. I recognize your accent. Jou werk is wonderlik. 👍

[@BobSpector-up7lw]

Thanks!

[@PhilipThompson]

Thank you so much Bob!

[@oskarvomhimmel6936]

The guys in the Ms of England... 😮‍💨 Those guys were the true KGB gems, only God knows how many more went unnoticed every where in the USA and The West....

[@andreareeder888]

Is there a movie based on his story? It's such an interesting story

[@anastazjalipska2845]

Don’t stop making these, i fall asleep to them often

[@Ray-tu4rw]

Was there any Abweir member that wasn't an agent for the British?

[@MafiaMancave]

Love the videos. Please keep the content coming . I'm curious: Is there a video documenting the JOHN WALKER SPY RING

[@PhilipThompson]

Not yet but I'll definitely be covering that story soon!

[@romanclay1913]

Kim Philby, Guy Burgess, Donald Maclean, Anthony Blunt.

[@francegiacomelli7454]

Richard Sorge, german attache in Japan, could be put also on Pujol's line. His information enabled SSSR, to call his special troops from the far east pacific coast to help defend Moskow in 1941. Unfortunatly he didn't survave, his close colaborator Branko Vukelić,the serb,was also killed. There is a movie made...

[@miles-thesleeper-monroe8466]

Fascinating nicely done. Any chance of posting the list of movies you've referenced? 👍

[@PhilipThompson]

Sure I'm happy to add them in the description box when I get a moment!

[@miles-thesleeper-monroe8466]

@@PhilipThompson cool thanks so much! And thanks for the research and historical records you've included

[@PhilipThompson]

@@miles-thesleeper-monroe8466 I've now added the list to the video description.

[@miles-thesleeper-monroe8466]

@@PhilipThompson awesome. Just in mid binge on your stuff 👌

[@Z34H.Trujillo]

I enjoy these but i miss the narration of the older fellow.

[@RightSideNews]

What a G

[@janekata1432]

Blake's fan club was made if of troubled heartless souls..A reflection of is own!

[@KKOPPONG]

I wonder how Germans feel about WW2 and how they react to the documentaries. Are they happy they lost or are they secretly disappointed?

[@huchaka4714]

I dated a German exchange student in high school. She told me that they are taught about it, and taught that it was the most embarrassing time in German history. So they don’t speak about it as it’s disrespectful and humbling to say it lightly.

[@petewood2350]

I think you need to read up on Agent Zig Zag, Eddie Chapman.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

the supreme method actor

[@janiceduke1205]

✌💎

[@LowejaDogs]

I havent seen your videos before Philip but they are well researched and told. Congratulations. I do wonder tho, what family does it mean on his tombstone?. His first or 2nd wifes?. Just a query as he wasnt actually dead so his first wife was not a widow and he married again hence bigamy. Dont mind me, I have a inquistive mind and get picky lol.

[@heafsudzr-1141]

If only I could be half the man.....

[@SeaTheStars_93]

Hello, this isn't related to this video (it is still an excellent one, I really like how you pace the narrative!) but a channel by the name of Quantum Minds Official uploaded a video which directly plagiarised the title and thumbnail, as well as copy-pasting a transcript of your opening monologue as the video's description, of the video you did about Robert Hansen about 5 months ago. Just letting you know in case it hasn't popped up before, wanted to comment here rather than the other one.

[@PhilipThompson]

Thanks for letting me know! It's a shame that people do that... KZbin is pretty good at taking infringing content down.

[@ahartify]

I am hoping for someone to make a great film based on Garbo's espionage activities, but it could be difficult to dramatise. I would do it myself if I had the funds! I imagine there is a modern Garbo out there somewhere working for Ukraine and sending rubbish information to the Kremlin! Anyway, an excellent account, and also very funny and entertaining!

[@faces_of_japan]

Not quite sure how “most successful” is being measured. I say that because what about Richard Sorge in Tokyo, who masqueraded as a loyal nazi while at the same time reporting to Moscow. Additionally, he also managed to run quite a successful operation n both China and Japan. Would he actually qualify as a double agent?

[@katherinecooper6159]

Nigel West - ?

[@cassandras7399]

Fabulous doc, but odd that the narrator pronounces Gestapo as ‘Jestapo’.

[@nillchen]

the emblem you show in 12:26 has absolutely nothing to do with nazi Germany.

[@jesses9347]

Cold war as well lol

[@armyodyssey]

Where is the accent from?

[@PhilipThompson]

South Africa 🇿🇦

[@ThatChick_NextDoor]

Is the voice AI? I don’t mind it, I’m just curious! :)

[@PhilipThompson]

Nope! It's my real voice.

[@ykc8888]

The only Garbo I knew was Greta Garbo.

[@Engelhafen]

Jestspo?

[@12vscience]

a

[@orourkeda]

"Intelligence Agencies". Quite the oxymoron isn't it?

[@user-wn1gq2zc5l]

The narrator sounds like a non native English speaker speaking with equal parts British and southeastern United States accent.

[@AladinSarsippiusSulemanagic]

South Africa perhaps???

[@vmoses1979]

Yes that is a South African accent. A lighter and less twangy one at that. Upper class maybe.

[@martinmargerrison2300]

Bring back the original narrator.

[@kil-roy]

This narrator is fine but I miss the older male voice, had more texture

[@oldtimer7635]

Why young kid narrating such a story?