The Spy Who Came In from the Cold (1965)

Release date: 1965-12-16
Country: UK
Language: Dutch|English
Director: Martin Ritt
Production Co: Salem Films Limited
Genre: Thriller, Drama
Rating: 7.6/10
Length: 1h 52min

Storyline

Alec Leamas (Richard Burton), a British spy, is sent to East Germany, supposedly to defect, but in fact to sow disinformation. As more plot turns appear, Leamas becomes more convinced that his own people see him as just a cog. His struggle back from dehumanization becomes the final focus of the story.

Plot Keywords

east germany, double agent, cold war, british intelligence, based on novel, berlin wall, double cross, iron curtain, spy, espionage, berlin germany, cynicism, london england, whiskey, border crossing, library, alcoholic drink, briton abroad, alcoholic, title same as book

Short Review

An excellent contemporary espionage drama of the Cold War which achieves solid impact via emphasis on human values, total absence of mechanical spy gimmickry, and perfectly controlled underplaying.