THE IPCRESS FILE

Review: Harry Palmer, a reluctant British spy has to deal with his own bureaucracy. This is while he is investigating the kidnapping and brainwashing of British scientists.
Director: Sidney J. Furie
Actors: Michael Caine, Nigel Green and Guy Doleman
Year: 1965
Genre: Action, Adventure, Classics and Thriller
Conclusion: 4/5
A fantastic film! Watching this film makes you appreciate the impact that Michael Caine had when he first appeared as a film actor. This is designed as a counterpart to the Bond movies. This is adapted from the first spy novel by Len Deighton. One of Michael Caine’s first films.  A marvellous score as always from John Barry. Fantastic performances and also well directed. Christopher Plummer and Richard Harris were considered for the role but both declined/dropped out. Apparently on the first day of shooting the director gathered the cast and said “This is what I think of the script”. He then set it on fire. It is still fun and exciting to watch even to this day and has stood the test of time. At the Bafta Awards in 1966 this won 3 awards. They were for Best British Art Direction (Colour), Best British Cinematography (Colour) and also Best British Film. At the start of 2013 film critic Barry Norman produced a list in the Radio Times of the 50 greatest British Films and this was one of them.