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Yes, its old, but its free if you get Comcast cable tv; offered under On Demand Free Movies. I recently sat through it again after many years.
We've all seen it I'm sure, but I recommend a revisit if its been awhile. Released in 1965, filmed in black and white, directed by Martin Ritts, starring Burton and Claire Bloom. This is one of Le Carre's best and best known spy novels fearturing George Smiley's British Cold War operations.
This is not a feel good movie. It is a continual exercise in one dirty lie after another, using people against people against still other people, at the expense of the lives of those drawing the short straws. The plot is brilliant and despicable to the end, which you won't figure out unless you have already seen it. If you have seen it, there is yet more detail in it to extract. By the finish, you will probably feel as Alex Leamas (Burton) did, and just say to hell with it all.
The Cold War spy biz is depicted as cold and cruel to the core. This theme is emotionally reinforced by the melancholy sound track, the b&W format, the communist demeanor behind the Curtain, the sparse dialogue, and the winter scenes. Players get played, and they are all players. Cold indeed.
And the price is right. This is one of the all-time greats.
Follow Ups:
I haven't seen the film or read the book in almost fifty years. Found both slow and plodding. I was a young teen then. May feel differently now.
-Wendell
After 50 years I find them slower.
Cheers
Bill
...
Agree, it's a great film and you described it perfectly.
Edits: 12/06/16
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Ah Nostalgia--I worked on the Film--I shot the Stills in the courtroom(?) scene-it was filmed at the long defunct Ardmore Dublin Studio--the grey wet miserable winter weather was apt for the East German scenes--Burton was with Taylor at the time.There was a hush up drama- his Chauffeur ran a red light and killed a Pedestrian--the out come was never made Public I never did hear of a resolution. Ms Taylor was actually quite sweet I was commissioned to photograph her at the Anna Livia Boutique where she was trying on clothes to buy-- she didn't fit any and the zips did not do up--she actually asked MOI what I thought of them--Wonderful wonderful I lied!!She told her assistant to buy the Lot--Funny!
Sorry yes grim but Fine Movie
Des
Edits: 12/06/16
What a great story! Thanks for sharing with us here.
Yes I worked on a few Movies during my time living in Ireland(Eire) in the 60's--maybe pop up some more gems if the Movies are mentioned here--fun times!
I recall Young Cassidy with Henry Hathaway(John Ford got sick) Of Human Bondage- Novak /Harvey,
Ballad in Blue -- Ray Charles/ Paul Henreid, Girl with the Green Eyes--Tushingham Woodfall --
I attended the State Reception for JFK when he visited there-I actually had a snap of him with his Irish mistress he'd rumoured latched onto at the time--Adrienne Ring
Such a Culture rich city but a troubled divided Country then--still is under the skin
Des
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