Special Agent

The agent of the title is George Brent, a journalist sent by the Government to get the goods on a crime syndicate. Brent befriends Bette Davis, bookkeeper for suspected crime boss Ricardo Cortez. Bette’s cooperation nearly costs her life, but both she and Brent manage a tricky escape during a final shoot-out. The IRS busts Cortez’ gang on income tax evasion: Can you say “Al Capone”? Special Agent was remade in 1940 as Gambling on the High Seas, with Wayne Morris and Jane Wyman in the leading roles., Yarn about a Fed (George Brent) who sets out to expose a racketeer. Bette Davis, Ricardo Cortez. Andrews: Jack La Rue. Armitage: Robert Strange. DA: Henry O’Neill. Durell: J. Carrol Naish. Young: William Davidson. Rich: Joe Sawyer. William Keighley directed.