Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

THE SPYING GAME: BRITISH CINEMA AND THE SECRET STATE

Director: John Irvin. Starring: Alec Guinness, Michael Jayston, Bernhard Hepton.

UK, 1979. 350 mins.

Alec Guinness was the perfect embodiment of retired spymaster George Smiley, in this remarkable BBC adaptation of John Le Carré. Loosely based on the scandal surrounding Kim Philby, it evoked a world of fading Oxbridge ideals and heroism, set in the seedy offices, hotel rooms, terraces and parks of 1970s London. Alexander Knox, Ian Richardson and Beryl Reid are among those delivering great performances as relics of a bygone era.

*** Special offer: see all seven parts for just £12!
(£4 per episode if bought separately)