The Ipcress File (1965)

Written by Bill Canaway, Len Deighton

Directed by Sidney J. Furie

Running Time: 109 minutes (approx)

Production Year: 1965

Rating: PG Certificate

Production Country: UK

Filmed in Colour

By 1965, the James Bond series of movies - starring Sean Connery as suave 007 - ruled the roost. The Ipcress File, based on Len Deighton's novel, introduced us to Harry Palmer, the exact opposite to Bond. Played with great aplomb by Michael Caine, Palmer was anything but sophisticated, although the bespectacled Bermondsey boy knew how to cook a tasty dish, and certainly bedded one or two.

The Ipcress File spawned a number of sequels, but this is definitely the best as Palmer's persistent sleuthing gradually unearths KGB spys within his own network. The famous brainwashing sequence is still disturbing, more than 40 years on.

Highly recommended.

When is The Ipcress File next on TV?

In the UK... it's next showing on BBC 1 November 30th, 11:50pm. See more...

Cast

Image for Michael CaineMichael CaineSgt. Harry Palmer
Nigel GreenMajor Dalby
Guy DolemanCol. H.L. Ross
Sue LloydAgent Jean Courtney
Gordon JacksonAgent Jock Carswell
Aubrey RichardsDr. Radcliffe Kidnapped from Train
Frank GatliffBluejay aka Erik Ashley Grantby
Thomas BaptisteBarney
Oliver MacGreevyBluejay's Chief of Staff
Freda BamfordDalby's Secretary
Pauline WinterCharlady
Anthony BlackshawEdwards
Barry RaymondAgent Gray
David GloverAgent Chilcott-Oakes
Stanley MeadowsInspector Pat Keightley
Peter AshmoreSir Robert
Michael MurrayRaid Inspector
Anthony BairdRaid Sergeant
Tony CaunterO.N.I. man
Charles ReaAgent Killed on train
Ric HuttonRecords Officer
Douglas BlackwellMurray
Richard BurrellOperator
Glynn EdwardsPolice Station Sergeant
Zsolt VadaszffyPrison Doctor
Josef BehrmannPrison Guard
Max FaulknerPrison Guard
Paul ChapmanPrison Guard

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