The Informer
The Informer is a British crime drama series broadcast on ITV from August 1966 to December 1967. Created by John Whitney and Geoffrey Bellman, it stars Ian Hendry as former barrister Alex Lambert, disgraced and disbarred, who has to rebuild his life. He utilises his former contacts on both sides of the law to become a paid informer. Living well from the rewards paid by insurance companies, Lambert still has to hide his activities from both his wife and others behind a new persona in the guise as a business consultant. Two seasons were produced, totalling 21 episodes. Only two episodes are known to exist, the remainder presumably wiped.
Insights
Plot Summary
A man with a past and a reputation for violence finds himself caught in a dangerous web of intrigue and betrayal in Athens. He becomes entangled with a beautiful woman and a mysterious intelligence agent, leading him on a perilous journey where loyalties are tested and survival is uncertain. As the stakes rise, he must navigate a treacherous landscape of double-crosses and hidden agendas to uncover the truth and escape with his life.
Critical Reception
The Informer (also known as 'Up Tight!') received a mixed critical reception upon its release. While some praised its ambitious themes and Dassin's direction, others found the plot convoluted and the performances uneven. It has since gained a cult following among cinephiles interested in political thrillers of the era.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its atmospheric tension and exploration of political paranoia.
- Criticized for a complex and sometimes hard-to-follow narrative.
- Richard Burton's performance was noted as a standout, though some found other characters underdeveloped.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this film is not readily available. General audience reception at the time of its release was divided, with some appreciating its darker themes and others finding it too bleak.
Fun Fact
The film was released in some markets under the title 'Up Tight!', which caused confusion due to its different thematic focus and the existence of another film with a similar title.
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