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Drama

Special Agent (1935): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Special Agent (1935) movie poster

Special Agent is a 1935 drama directed by William Keighley, starring Bette Davis, Joseph Crehan and Henry O'Neill. It runs 1 hour 16 minutes. IMDb users rate it 6.4/10.

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Special Agent (1935) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 16m (76 min)
Director
William Keighley
Genre
Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Special Agent About?

The premise of Special Agent without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A dedicated journalist leaves his career to become a special agent, determined to dismantle the criminal empire of Alexander Carston. Partnering with Carston’s bookkeeper, Julie Gardner, he delves into the dangerous world of organized crime. As they work together to expose Carston’s operations, Julie becomes an essential ally. However, when a source is compromised, Julie finds herself targeted by Carston's dangerous associates, forcing them to fight for survival and justice.

Special Agent Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • internal revenue service
  • b movie
  • treasury agent
  • damsel in distress
  • 1930s
  • henchman
  • song
  • greed
  • gang leader
  • gang member
  • reprisal
  • retribution
+38 more
  • vindication
  • violence
  • pinball machine
  • gambling
  • gambler
  • cigarette smoking
  • racketeer
  • great depression
  • treachery
  • informant
  • slang
  • stool pigeon
  • held at gunpoint
  • hostage
  • extortion
  • newspaper story
  • newspaper reporter
  • gas station attendant
  • ambush
  • amusement arcade
  • remorse
  • district attorney
  • hotel desk clerk
  • elevator operator
  • slot machine
  • racial stereotype
  • black doorman
  • deception
  • davis and brent
  • bookkeeper
  • washington d.c.
  • police
  • newsboy
  • gunfire
  • gangster
  • code
  • attorney general
  • undercover agent
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Cast & crew

Special Agent Cast

Bette Davis leads the cast, with Joseph Crehan and Henry O'Neill. Directed by William Keighley; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from William Keighley

More films directed by William Keighley, best-rated first: The Green Pastures, The Man Who Came to Dinner, The Adventures of Robin Hood (re-release) and The Master of Ballantrae.

Full filmography
Ratings

Special Agent Reviews & Ratings

IMDb users rate Special Agent 6.4/10.

Plot

Special Agent Plot Summary

What happens in Special Agent from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Bill Bradford, a dedicated newspaper reporter, is pulled into a serious government mission when the federal authorities decide to crack down on gangsters for financial crimes, tax evasion, and violations of Internal Revenue Service regulations. He is deputized by the Internal Revenue Bureau and given the task of gathering enough evidence to indict a notorious gangster named Alexander Carston, who bears the same infamous initials as Al Capone. The hunt hinges on a secret that Carston’s operation keeps tightly locked away: ledgers kept in a code known only to his secretary and lover, Julie Gardner Bette Davis. The suspense builds as Bill learns that the key to exposing Carston lies in breaking that code, and that the danger extends far beyond a courtroom battle.

Full summary

The whole story of Special Agent, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Special Agent?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is Bill Bradford's profession at the start of the film?

Details

Special Agent Also Known As

5 alternative titles, including “Il grande nemico” and “Spezial-Agent”.

Also known as
  • Il grande nemico
  • Spezial-Agent
  • Специальный агент
  • 特工
  • Nas Garras da Lei

Seen Special Agent?

FAQ

Special Agent FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Special Agent, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Special Agent?

Special Agent runs 1 hour 16 minutes (76 minutes).

When was Special Agent released?

Special Agent was released on September 14, 1935.

Who directed Special Agent?

Special Agent was directed by William Keighley.

More films by William Keighley

Who is in the cast of Special Agent?

Special Agent stars Bette Davis, Joseph Crehan and Henry O'Neill, among 10 credited actors.

How is Special Agent rated?

Special Agent has 6.4/10 on IMDb and 63% on TMDB.

Does Special Agent have a post-credit scene?

No. Special Agent has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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