Special Agent (1935)

George Brent: Bill Bradford

Photos 

Quotes 

• [first lines] 

  [the Chief of the IRS can be seen in an office, addressing various men. As he explains the necessary information, he can be seen walking around the office. Among the ones present is Bill Bradford.] 

  Chief of Internal Revenue Service : Gentlemen, as you know, the inability of local governments to cope with crime has necessitated the Federal Government stepping in to protect the American people. Our part of that job is to rid the country of the gambler, the business racketeer, and the illicit profiteer who have been operating within and above the law. The Treasury Department, being limited in their function, has sent you men out to gather information, that will enable us to use the one weapon we have. The Income Tax Law. Millions of dollars in illicit profits from illegal enterprises have been hidden away by these racketeers inside and outside the law. No income tax has been paid on these millions. But that hidden and untaxed money will send these men to prison. We'll rid the country of these men who have so far laughed at every law. Now you men have been called in here today to be told one thing, go after them. Get their books and statements and don't stop until you have the evidence. These are my orders. The dictum of the Secretary of the Treasury and the command of the American People. Now some of you men have been undercover and observing for over a year. You're through observing. You're going into action. If necessary, you'll raid to get this evidence. There's one man, however, we prefer to take alive, Alexander Carston. It's easy enough to kill him, but to put him behind the bars is to prove that the cleverest racketeer isn't smart enough to outsmart the Federal Government.

  [the IRS Chief looks at Bradford] 

  Chief of Internal Revenue Service : You get that, Bradford?

  Bill Bradford : [smiles and nods]  Yes, sir.