Secret Agent

Play trailer

Secret Agent

1936,

1h 26m,

Mystery & Thriller

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

84%

19 Reviews

Tomatometer

47%

2,500+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

84%

Tomatometer

19 Reviews

47%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

British intelligence fakes the death of Edgar Brodie (John Gielgud) to send him on a mission in Switzerland, where as Richard Ashenden he is to locate and kill a German spy. Accompanying Brodie are fellow agents Elsa Carrington (Peter Lorre), who is to play Brodie's wife, and an eccentric assassin known as The General (Madeleine Carroll). Locating the spy on a train, Brodie and Elsa have second thoughts about their mission just as an American (Robert Young) ingratiates himself with them.

Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Jun 3, 2015

The film has a fine cast and a fine look -- shot in the Swiss Alps, much of it makes use of unusual white-on-white compositions.

Go to Full Review

Michael Sragow

The New Yorker

Sep 17, 2012

One of the weirdest movies Alfred Hitchcock ever made.

Go to Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Mar 26, 2009

Secret Agent dallies much on the way but rates as good spy entertainment, suave story telling, and, in one particular case, brilliant characterization.

Go to Full Review

Ann Ross

Maclean's Magazine

Aug 8, 2019

Good British spy thriller.

Go to Full Review

Josephine O'Neill

Daily Telegraph (Australia)

Mar 15, 2019

In spite of many brilliant touches Alfred Hitchcock's third film is disappointing. The British producer fails to establish that tense atmosphere of The Man Who Knew Too Much" and The 39 Steps.

Go to Full Review

David Parkinson

Radio Times

Jun 3, 2015

4/5

John Gielgud might not be everyone's ideal Hitchcock hero, and contemporary critics were quick to point out his lack of derring-do, but, in fact, he acquits himself admirably in this engaging thriller.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Finn S

Sep 10, 2018

Secret Agent is an interesting twist on the spy movie, showcasing the conflicting feelings some agents must have had with their missions. Although John Gielgud's protagonist falls a little flat-the side characters are more memorable. This is an average Hitchcock movie.

See more

Draco W

May 20, 2018

A nice spy thriller with some good comedic touches. It works despite everal too-sudden plot changes that, while annoying, don't alienate the viewer too much. Regarding the actors, Robert Young and Peter Lorre stand out, with both of Young's roles played brilliantly and believably; Madeleine Carroll is strikingly beautiful, but not very convincing, and John Gielgud looks like he doesn't believe this stuff at all!

See more

Kylo W

Apr 24, 2018

'The Man Who Knew Too Much', 'The 39 Steps' YES! We're at Hitchcock's first Golden Age! But then suddenly we have this spy, snooze-fest. Unbelievably dull and Peter Lorre is completely wasted. Not one to live in the memory.

See more

Draco P

Nov 6, 2017

Secret Agent: A early hitchcock film. One that lacks the hights he'd reach later in his later years as a director.

Leia W

May 22, 2017

6.4 [Alfred Hitchcock]

Abraham S

Jan 2, 2017

Not nearly as neatly packed as Hitch's later work (amused that Flixster is bleeping his full name in user reviews). Nor nearly as memorable. I know I had seen it before but I'd forgotten almost everything about it. Peter Lorre's constant side-eye led me to believe the ending would be more interesting than it was. Still, the leads are charming and there's a lot of scenery to appreciate.

See more

Read all reviews

Alfred Hitchcock

Director

John Gielgud

Edgar Brodie

Peter Lorre

The General

Madeleine Carroll

Elsa Carrington

Robert Young

Robert Marvin

Percy Marmont

Caypor

It Came From Beneath the Sea

60%

39%

It Came From Beneath the Sea

Watchlist

Oh, God!

74%

59%

Oh, God!

Watchlist

Robinson Crusoe on Mars

94%

62%

Robinson Crusoe on Mars

Watchlist

They Might Be Giants

61%

74%

They Might Be Giants

Watchlist

Frisco Kid

29%

Frisco Kid

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Weekly Ketchup: Metal Gear Solid Movie On Its Way?

The Weekly Ketchup: An Early "Transformers" Reaction, "Thor" To Hit The Big Screen, The Charming New "Saw 4" Poster, And More!

View more photos

Synopsis

British intelligence fakes the death of Edgar Brodie (John Gielgud) to send him on a mission in Switzerland, where as Richard Ashenden he is to locate and kill a German spy. Accompanying Brodie are fellow agents Elsa Carrington (Peter Lorre), who is to play Brodie's wife, and an eccentric assassin known as The General (Madeleine Carroll). Locating the spy on a train, Brodie and Elsa have second thoughts about their mission just as an American (Robert Young) ingratiates himself with them.

Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Producer: Michael Balcon, Ivor Montagu
Screenwriter: Charles Bennett, Alma Reville, Ian Hay, Jesse Lasky Jr.
Distributor: Stokey Video, New Century Telecommunications Inc., Gaumont British Picture Corporation, LS Video, Criterion Collection
Production Co: British International Pictures, Gaumont British Picture Corporation Ltd.
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 15, 1936, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 19, 2017
Runtime: 1h 26m
Sound Mix: Mono

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings