Secret Agent (1936)

After three British agents are assigned to assassinate a mysterious German spy during World War I, two of them become ambivalent when their duty to the mission conflicts with their consciences.

Director:

Alfred Hitchcock

Writers:

Campbell Dixon (from the play by), W. Somerset Maugham (based on the novel "Ashenden" by),

Stars:

John Gielgud, Peter Lorre, Madeleine Carroll

1 win.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
John Gielgud	...	Richard Ashenden / Brodie
Peter Lorre	...	The General
Madeleine Carroll	...	Elsa Carrington
Robert Young	...	Robert Marvin
Percy Marmont	...	Caypor
Florence Kahn	...	Mrs. Caypor
Charles Carson	...	'R'
Lilli Palmer	...	Lilli

Storyline

During the first world war, novelist Edgar Brodie is sent to Switzerland by the Intelligence Service. He has to kill a German agent. During the mission he meets a fake general first and then Elsa Carrington who helps him in his duty.

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Plot Keywords:

spy | switzerland | murder | assassin | fire alarm | 

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Taglines:

Mystery - Intrigue - Romance, burn a flaming trail among the gay capitals of Europe

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Mystery | Romance | Thriller

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English German French

Release Date:

15 June 1936 (USA)

Also Known As:

Laugh Track: Secret Agent

Filming Locations:

Gainsborough Studios, Shepherd's Bush, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gaumont British Picture Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Full Range Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Based on W. Somerset Maugham's "Ashenden" spy stories ("The Traitor" and "The Hairless Mexican") and a play by Campbell Dixon.

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Goofs

Though the film is set in 1916, fashion, hairstyles and set decoration are contemporary of 1936.

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Quotes

[repeated line]
The General: [every time he introduces himself] General Pompellio Montezuma De La Vilia De Conde De La Rue.

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Connections

Featured in Paul Merton Looks at Alfred Hitchcock (2009)

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Soundtracks

"Bulgar Folk Song"
(uncredited)
Traditional
Arranged by Hubert Bath

User Reviews

Spies story with suspense and romance by the master of thriller

This espionage film concerns about Ashenden(John Gielgud),a secret agent is sent Switzerland to kill an unknown enemy spy.There he deals with various personages,as a quirky Mejican general(Peter Lorre),a smart gentleman(Robert Young) and a gorgeous woman(Madeleine Carrol) who pose as his wife, causing the classic loving triangle(Gielgud,Carrol,Young).The movie is based on Somerset Maughan's book titled: Ashenden.

The picture blends action,love story,comedy,adventures,thriller,suspense and is quite entertained . Hitchcock said which as the film is developed in Switzerland,it's plenty of typical elements as : folkloric dances,the Alpes,lagoons and a chocolate factory .Besides contains the usual Hitch's touches as the elegant,intelligent baddie(repeating in posterior films as James Mason in ¨North by Northwest¨),the enticing blonde(as later Grace Kelly,Kim Novak),the filming into the train(a vehicle very agreeable for the director).It's an uneven movie and Hitch wasn't proud but had excessive irony as he said in the famous interview with Francois Truffaut. Rating : Good,well worth watching.The motion picture will like to Hitchcock fans.Essential and indispensable seeing for Hitch lovers.