The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

Dir: Martin Ritt

1965

*****

Martin Ritt's classic The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is an example of a perfect adaptation. Although I can't think of a really bad film adaptation of one of John le Carré's novels, I can't think of another that really visualizes his words and characters as well. That said, Roupert Davies' George Smiley is probably my least favourite version of the character but it certainly isn't bad, the others are just better. It's still my favourite Martin Ritt film and Richard Burton performance. It oozes that wonderful noir that belongs in cold war spy stories but also gives it a very real edge so that you believe that you really could live next door to a secret agent and be none the wiser. The script is ridiculously good, unsurprising though considering it was written by the brilliant Paul Dehn (Goldfinger, Escape From The Planet of the Apes) and Guy Trosper (The Pride of St. Louis). Dehn as more than qualified to the write the screenplay, given that he was once a teacher of the black arts at one of the country’s leading spy schools during the Second World War. It is hard to imagine Burt Lancaster as Alec Leamas but he was the producer’s first choice before Burton was cast. rather bizarrely, the name of leading female character was changed from Liz Gold to Nan Perry, so people wouldn't immediately think of Burton's wife Elizabeth Taylor in any of their scenes, such was the 'mania' that surrounded the couple. Burton was clearly in a position whereby he could make demands, even when he didn't get along with the director (something that le Carré has since said probably enhanced Burton's performance) as he got jobs for many of his friends from the Old Vic including Sir Michael Hordern, Robert Hardy, Warren Mitchell (whom he was stationed with several times during the second world war) and leading lady Claire Bloom, even though she was around fifteen years older than her character is in the novel. Crime author Graham Greene once has said that The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is hands down the best spy story ever written and many, including myself, would agree with him.  The best spy story deserved the best adaptation and that is exactly what it got. It is faultless from beginning to end, with brilliant performances, an amazing script and cinematography to die for. The quintessential cold war movie and most authentic spy story ever written, based on real people and a real way of life, it's unparalleled.