The Ipcress File

SYNOPSIS

Len Deighton's first spy novel had everything except a name for its off-the-peg hero, so producer Harry Saltzman decided on Harry Palmer and cast the virtually unknown Michael Caine in this adaptation. Designed as a counterpoint to the Bond movies, which Saltzman also co-produced, the story uncovers KGB operatives in the British Secret Service and allows our spy to talk Bermondsey, wear glasses and cook his own meals - things that Bond would never do. Instead of the Orient Express, it's the Central Line. It's cunning, calculated and still works, thanks to some droll humour, John Barry's marvellously twangy score, Sidney J Furie's energetic direction and spot-on performances by Guy Doleman and Nigel Green as bowler-hatted spooks.