'British Agent' did have a good deal of potential. Have always found both Leslie Howard and Kay Francis very watchable, the source material is a thoroughly gripping and well crafted piece of literature and the subject matter is so intriguing. Films like this can risk being convoluted, but many films and television series in this genre have not fallen into this trap. Michael Curtiz also directed two of my favourites 'Casablanca' and 'The Adventures of Robin Hood'. 'Mildred Pierce' is also a classic.
Watching 'British Agent' recently, to me the film could have been a good deal better than it turned out. It is definitely worth seeing for the two leads and is always intriguing with a good deal of atmosphere, but the writing and storytelling fall short of living up to full potential. With a longer length and if it took its time more, 'British Agent' would have felt a lot more fleshed out. While Curtiz doesn't fare too badly in his directing, he definitely went on to do better in subjects that were more in his comfort zone.
Starting with the negatives, 'British Agent' is too short, would have given it about 15-20 minutes longer, and too rushed. The romance especially suffers, far too hastily written and underdeveloped as well as straining in credulity later on. With so much going on in a short length and some of it complicated, it does give a bit convoluted at times.
The dialogue at times rambles and the film can be a little too talk heavy. While the cast are fine mostly, William Gargon came over as too annoying for my tastes.
Howard and Francis however are both very strong in their roles, Howard subtly charismatic and steely and Francis glamorous and forceful without being melodramatic. Despite issues with the way the romance is written, their chemistry is smoldering. The supporting cast on the whole do fine, Gargon is the exception. Curtiz's direction is accomplished, despite moments where a still finding his feet feel creeps in, and has great atmospheric style.
Furthermore, the production values are very stylish and atmospheric. The music is suitably ominous and the dialogue generally is tight and provokes a lot of thought. The story, while flawed in execution, is intriguing and suspenseful at least.
Concluding, a lot to like but falls short. 6/10.
