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Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy : Complete BBC Series [1979] [DVD]
![Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy : Complete BBC Series [1979] [DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Z5GDWM45L._SL160_.jpg)
Le Carré's style is the antithesis of his contemporary Ian Fleming's--far from the glamorous lifestyle of Bond, with his fast cars and faster women, these agents ride around in Skodas, and Beryl Reid is the closest thing to a femme fatale, save for Smiley's elusive wife, Anne. An extraordinary cast (including Ian Bannen, Hywel Bennett and Ian Richardson), gritty realism and close attention to detail make Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy an outstanding piece of television drama. --Nicola Perry
RRP: £15.99
Our Price: £5.48 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy stars Alec Guinness as George Smiley, John Le Carré's familiar, ageing British Intelligence agent, called out of retirement to discover the identity of the high-ranking Russian mole who has burrowed deep into "The Circus"--codename for the British secret service. This slow-burning, complicated and ultimately rewarding BBC adaptation, dramatised by Arthur Hopcroft and directed by John Irvin, perfectly captures Le Carré's own insight into the shady underworld of spies and the political climate during the Cold War.
Just Superb
Review date: 2010-02-25 Rating: 10 out of 10
There's not much to add to the other 70-ish 5-star reviews already here. Bought for a present for someone with a VHS player. The acting is some of the best I've seen, all the more important as the tension is created through conversation, rather than action, and its more like seeing a very well acted stage play than a film in that respect. Familiar London locations are cast in a new light, partly through the plot, partly because I didn't know London in the 70s, and the mundane, every-day feel to some of the action makes it very realistic and genuine. I've seen several Alec Guinness films now and so far, I feel this was his best work. The role allowed him to show his most acute character insights while also being more true to himself, without the need for accents or overt affectations.
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Reviews
very slow moving
Review date: 2010-02-23 Rating: 4 out of 10
I am not enjoying "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy". It is very slow paced, with frequent long, long shots of cars driving down roads. Admittedly the performances are good, especially from Alec Guiness, whom I previously thought a bit of a ham actor (a la Richard Attenborough). There are a few annoyances - one was the unrealistic way people didn't look out the front window when driving cars. One actor even turns round to look out the rear window for several long seconds! Another annoyance is the music - it is terrible. Finally, the plot is so complicated that it is IMPOSSIBLE to follow. I am not sure if I can be bothered to watch disc 2.
DVD Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy Complete BBC Series 1979
Review date: 2010-02-16 Rating: 10 out of 10
Not only an accurate and powerful staging of the captivating novel by John Le Carré but also in itself a work of art resulting from the management of first rank actors, of suggestive and beautiful music (particularly the Nunc dimittis which concludes each episode), and even of the enigmatical generic (the ominous "matriochki" which open each part).
le carre
Review date: 2010-02-09 Rating: 10 out of 10
Thankyou for prompt delivery of DVD which arrived in excellent condition. Very well received by a friend as a birthday present.
Best TV I've seen for ages
Review date: 2010-02-08 Rating: 10 out of 10
Easily the best and most fulfilling TV I can remember seeing. Incredible collection of actors - very much "the best of" from the period. Alec Guinness superb. Extremely atmospheric. Would recomend to anyone.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Brian Hawksley
Milos Kirek
Nigel Stock
Alec Guinness
Thorley Walters
Creators:
Nigel Stock (Primary Contributor)
Milos Kirek (Primary Contributor)
Recording label: 2 Entertain Video
Manufacturer: 2 Entertain Video
EAN: 0501450311802
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 2
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2003-05-26
Universal product code (UPC): 501450311802
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 350 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1980-09-29
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: English (Unknown)
Language: English (Subtitled)