The Spy Who Came In from the Cold
Seen it?1965 | 112 min | Drama, Thriller
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It collected a shelf of major awards, it earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing. If you loved Bridge of Spies, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 52 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1965: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
British agent Alec Leamas refuses to come in from the Cold War during the 1960s, choosing to face another mission, which may prove to be his final one.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture. Won 4 BAFTAs: British Academy Film Awards: Best British Film, British Academy Film Awards: Best British Actor, British Academy Film Awards: Best British Art Direction – Black and White, British Academy Film Awards: Best British Cinematography – Black and White. Also nominated for 2 Oscars, 2 more BAFTAs and 1 WGA Award. Plus 4 other awards.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 112K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Martin Ritt
- Richard BurtonAlec Leamas
- Claire BloomNancy 'Nan' Perry
- Oskar WernerFiedler
- Sam WanamakerPeters
- George VoskovecComrade Karden - Defense Attorney
- Rupert DaviesGeorge Smiley
- Cyril CusackControl
- Peter van EyckHans-Dieter Mundt
- Michael HordernAshe
- Robert HardyDick Carlton