TV Show spotlight
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a seven-part BBC2 spy drama written by Arthur Hopcraft, adapted from John le Carré's eponymous 1974 novel. The serial, which stars Alec Guinness, Alexander Knox, Ian Richardson, Michael Jayston, Bernard Hepton, Anthony Bate, Ian Bannen, George Sewell and Michael Aldridge, was broadcast from 10 September to 22 October 1979. George Smiley, the ageing master spy of the Cold War and once heir-apparent to Control, is brought back out of retirement to flush out a top level mole within the Circus. Smiley must travel back through his life and murky workings of the Circus to unravel the net spun by his nemesis Karla 'The Sandman' of the KGB and reveal the identity of the mole before he disappears.
In the dead of the Cold War, a retired British intelligence agent is brought back into service to uncover a mole within the highest echelons of MI6. The investigation is fraught with paranoia, betrayal, and the constant threat of exposure, as George Smiley navigates a labyrinth of secrets and deceptions. He must piece together fragmented clues and hidden motives to identify the 'prickle' who has been feeding information to the Soviets.
The 1979 BBC television serial adaptation of John le Carré's novel 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' was met with widespread critical acclaim for its intricate plot, masterful performances, and authentic portrayal of espionage. It is widely regarded as one of the definitive adaptations of le Carré's work and a landmark in espionage television drama.
Praised for its intricate and intelligent plotting, capturing the slow-burn tension of espionage.
Lauded for Alec Guinness's subtle and compelling performance as George Smiley.
Commended for its authentic and atmospheric depiction of the era and the world of intelligence.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the series' cerebral nature and its faithful adaptation of the novel, appreciating the complex narrative and nuanced character development.
BAFTA Award for Best Actor for Alec Guinness (1980)
Alec Guinness initially found the role of George Smiley to be quite challenging and even considered turning it down, feeling the character was too passive. However, he ultimately delivered an iconic performance that defined the character for a generation.
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With the Cold War at it's height, the head of the British counter-espionage agency - "Control" (Alexander Knox) is giving a clear impression that he is losing the plot. He is visibly ailing so his subordinates gather like vultures waiting t...
I tried to watch this drama series a year or so ago and didn’t get far. It isn’t bad but it has a slow pace, which I am usually fine with, but I am not into spy stories. I gave it a second try recently and had no trouble finishing it this t...