The Secret Agent

"In Victorian London, a city of spies, one woman is about to be caught in a web of conspiracy and only one man has the power to protect her."

Nov 8 1996 R 1h 35m
Drama, Thriller

In 1880s London, pornographic bookseller Verloc is a double agent for the Russian government, providing information to Chief Inspector Heat about a lazy anarchist organization. In order for the anarchists to be arrested, an act of terrorism must occur. So Verloc decides to set up bombs – which leads to tragedy – not only for himself but also for his family, including wife Winnie and brother-in-law, Stevie.

Plot

London of the late 19th century is a haven for political exiles of all sorts - refugees, partisans, anarchists. Verloc has made his living spying for the Russian government, an agent provocateur of sorts, while simultaneously providing information to the London police, specifically Chief Inspector Heat. When the new Russian ambassador demands he prove his worth or lose his salary, Verloc sets off a tragic chain of events that involves his pretty young wife Winnie, her intellectually disabled brother Stevie, and a figure called the Professor, whose fascination with explosives and destruction makes him the person to call on when Verloc needs a bomb.

Written by

Joseph Conrad, Christopher Hampton

Directed by

Christopher Hampton

Cast

Bob Hoskins, Patricia Arquette, Gérard Depardieu

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United Kingdom

Production Companies

20th Century Fox, World Film Music Limited, Capitol Films

Languages

English

Awards

1 nomination total

Trailers
The Secret Agent Trailer 1996
Scores
# of Votes
2,778
Average Rating
5.6 out of 10
Metascore
41
Popularity
NA