Dick Barton: Special Agent


Dick Barton: Special Agent is a 1948 British second feature ('B') spy film directed by Alfred J. Goulding and starring Don Stannard. It was written by Goulding and Alan Stranks, adapted from the extremely popular BBC radio serial Dick Barton – Special Agent. It was the first of three films that Hammer Film Productions made about the British agent, followed by Dick Barton at Bay and Dick Barton Strikes Back.

Plot

Special Agent Dick Barton and his colleagues Snowey and Jock are investigating smuggling when two failed attempts are made on his life. The criminals then kidnap Snowey and Jack, as well as Dick's girlfriend Jean. While attempting to rescue his friends, Barton is trapped himself in an underground room where he is chained to a wall. It turns out the criminals led by Dr. Caspar are involved in a neo-Nazi plot to contaminate Great Britain's water supply.

Cast

Release

Though critically unpopular, the film's commercial success prompted Hammer to make a number of other movies based on radio and/or TV shows. It was released to television in the USA as Dick Barton, Detective.

Critical reception

Sky Cinema noted "schoolboy shenanigans from slick Dick and his aides Jock and Snowy. More laugh-a-minute than thrill-a-minute, this was British 'B'-film making at its grimmest."
DVD Talk wrote "the picture has an Ed Wood-like ineptitude."
Allmovie blamed "too much comic relief and terrible pacing".