Watch Alfred Hitchcock's: Secret Agent

Alfred Hitchcock's "Secret Agent" is a 1936 spy thriller that follows two British agents in WWI Europe as they try to uncover a German spy ring. The film stars a talented cast including John Gielgud, Madeleine Carroll, and Peter Lorre. The story begins with a top-secret meeting at the British War Office, where three intelligence officers are trying to recruit a new spy. They decide to send a man who is presumed dead, but who is actually living in hiding in Switzerland. This man is Richard Ashenden (Gielgud), a celebrated author who is hired by the British Secret Service to track down and eliminate a German enemy spy named "R".

Ashenden is initially hesitant to accept the job, but he is eventually convinced by the promise of adventure and the chance to contribute to the war effort. He is teamed up with a British assassin, known only as "The General" (Lorre), and they are sent to Geneva, where they begin their dangerous mission.

Working undercover, Ashenden poses as an Englishman looking for a new identity, while The General poses as his valet. They soon meet a beautiful and mysterious woman named Elsa Carrington (Carroll), with whom Ashenden strikes up a romantic relationship. However, Elsa is not who she seems, and the two agents soon discover that she may be the key to finding the elusive spy they are searching for.

As they venture deeper into enemy territory, Ashenden and The General encounter a world of intrigue and danger, as they try to uncover the identity of "R" and stop a plot to blow up the British fleet. Along the way, they face numerous challenges and obstacles, including a dramatic shootout on a train, a daring escape from a French chateau, and a deadly confrontation with the enemy spy himself.

The film's plot is filled with twists and turns, as the agents are constantly forced to improvise and change their plans on the fly. Hitchcock masterfully ratchets up the tension throughout the film, building to a thrilling climax that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its cast. John Gielgud delivers a standout performance as Ashenden, capturing both the character's intelligence and his vulnerabilities. Peter Lorre is equally impressive as The General, bringing a sense of dark humor and menace to the role.

Madeleine Carroll is also excellent as Elsa, infusing the character with a sense of mystery and danger. The chemistry between her and Gielgud is palpable, adding an additional layer of tension and intrigue to the story.

Aside from the strong performances, the film is also notable for its impressive cinematography and use of light and shadow. Hitchcock makes excellent use of the film's European locations, capturing both the beauty of the landscape and the darkness that exists beneath its surface.

Overall, Alfred Hitchcock's "Secret Agent" is a thrilling and suspenseful spy thriller that showcases the director's masterful storytelling abilities. With its talented cast and tense plot, the film remains a classic example of the genre and a must-see for fans of Hitchcock's work.

Alfred Hitchcock's: Secret Agent is a 2019 thriller with a runtime of 85 hours.