Sky Arts’ “Classic Movies: The Story of…” trains its lens on a cornerstone of British spy cinema this Thursday: “The Ipcress Files.” This 1965 thriller, based on Len Deighton’s novel, introduced the world to Michael Caine’s iconic portrayal of intelligence officer Harry Palmer – a character far removed from the suave James Bond. The series, hosted by Ian Nathan along with film historians and other special guests, sets out to explain the enduring appeal of a film now considered a classic.
This episode explores Sidney J. Furie’s direction, which brought a gritty realism to the espionage genre. It also examines Caine’s performance as Palmer, a bespectacled, working-class spy more concerned with culinary details than gadgetry. “The Ipcress Files” centers on the disappearance of high-level scientists, a mystery that pulls Palmer into a web of Cold War intrigue.
“Classic Movies: The Story of…” dissects the elements that transform a film into a timeless piece of cinematic history. From memorable scenes and dialogue to groundbreaking cinematography, the program picks apart the ingredients of greatness. Tune in to Sky Arts on Thursday, 1 May at 8:00 PM GMT for a deep dive into “The Ipcress Files.”
