The Ipcress File
Seen it?1965 | 109 min | Thriller
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes), it drew serious awards attention and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.
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 Goldfinger or North by Northwest, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Tense.
- The pace
- Fast-moving, at 1 hr 49 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1965: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Sly and dry intelligence agent Harry Palmer is tasked with investigating British Intelligence security, and is soon enmeshed in a world of double-dealing, kidnap and murder when he finds a traitor operating at the heart of the secret service.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.8 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 3 BAFTAs: BAFTA Award: Best British Film, BAFTA Award: Best British Cinematography (Colour), BAFTA Award: Best British Art Direction (Colour). Also nominated for 2 more BAFTAs, 1 Cannes award and 1 DGA Award. Plus 1 other award.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 184K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Sidney J. Furie
- Michael CaineHarry Palmer
- Nigel GreenMajor Dalby
- Guy DolemanColonel H.L. Ross
- Sue LloydJean Courtney
- Gordon JacksonJock Carswell
- Aubrey RichardsDr. Radcliffe
- Frank GatliffBluejay
- Thomas BaptisteBarney
- Oliver MacGreevyHousemartin
- Freda BamfordAlice