A WELL known British spy drama that won the hearts of audiences in 1979 is making a comeback to BBC iPlayer.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is based on a novel with the same name by John Le Carré.
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At the time of its release, the show was described as the ‘best spy drama ever created‘ by critics.
Now a new generation will get the chance to witness the sombre effect that the Cold War had on British Intelligence Services.
Alec Guinness plays George Smiley in the tale of a spymaster called back to the Secret Service to ferret out a Soviet mole.
The Academy award winning actor’s performance in the series has been dubbed “sublime”.
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As the story unfolds, Smiley methodically sifts through files and conducts interviews with former colleagues in pursuit of the traitor.
The slow burn thriller finishes off with a shocking twist, as the two-timer turns out to be someone the viewers least expected.
Le Carré’s novel was inspired in part by real life events.
He based Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy on the story of Kim Philby, a high-ranking British intelligence officer who was exposed as a double agent for the Soviet Union in 1963.
After being found out, Kim defected to Moscow, where he lived until the time of his death in 1988.
Although Alec Guinness received high praise for his portrayal of George Smiley after the series was released, at the time he was cast he felt inadequate for the role.
The star even tried to run away from set once in a moment of panic.
Director John Irvin told Radio Times he had to chase the actor up a hill to get him back on screen, adding: “I told Alec I would be ready to shoot in ten effing minutes. He followed me down and there was never any trouble again.”
BBC crime dramas
The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer.
Here’s a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.
- Campion: Aired from 1989 to 1990, this detective drama series was adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and stars Peter Davison.
- Dalziel And Pascoe: A gritty detective drama series about a mismatched pair of policemen, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Aired from 1996 to 2007.
- Death In Paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is assigned to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and is still on air to this day.
- Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this northern noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and facing her traumatic past.
- Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and links to his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Aired from 2013 to 2016.
- Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Based on the novels of Elizabeth George, this drama series is about upper-crust DI Thomas Lynley and working class DS Barbara Havers. Aired from 2001 to 2007.
- Jonathan Creek: Starring comedian Alan Davies, this comedy-drama series follows a inventor of magic tricks who is often called in to solve puzzling murders. Aired from 1997 to 2016.
- Law & Order: Originally broadcast in 1978, this four-part drama series is about the British judicial system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin.
- Life On Mars: Beguiling science-fiction police drama following a Manchester policeman who travels back to 1973 following a car accident. Stars John Simm and Philip Glenister. Aired from 2006 to 2007.
- Luther: Crime drama series starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. Aired from 2010 to 2019, with a follow-up film released in 2023.
- Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell, showcasing the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Premiered in 2013 and is still on air to this day.
- The Cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Aired from 1998 to 2001.
- Waking The Dead: With a cast including Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team who unearths sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Aired from 2000 to 2011.
- Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to unsee the dark crimes he’s tasked to investigate while Wallander’s job comes at a cost to his family and relationships. Aired from 2008 to 2016.
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