The Ipcress File

1965
PG
1h 49m

IMDb RATING

7.2/10

18K

YOUR RATING

Michael Caine in The Ipcress File (1965)

In London, a counter espionage Agent deals with his own bureaucracy while investigating the kidnapping and brainwashing of British scientists.

Play trailer3:02

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45 Photos

Political Thriller Spy Drama Thriller

In London, a wisecracking spy investigates the kidnapping and brainwashing of British scientists while dealing with the constraints of his agency's bureaucracy.In London, a wisecracking spy investigates the kidnapping and brainwashing of British scientists while dealing with the constraints of his agency's bureaucracy.In London, a wisecracking spy investigates the kidnapping and brainwashing of British scientists while dealing with the constraints of his agency's bureaucracy.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.2/10

18K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Won 3 BAFTA Awards
- 5 wins & 4 nominations total

Videos1

Trailer 3:02

Official Trailer

Photos45

+ 37

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Harry Palmer is depicted as an accomplished cook, but when you see Palmer skillfully break a couple of eggs, the hands in the close-up belong to Len Deighton, author of the book on which this movie was based. Deighton was an accomplished cook and also wrote a comic strip about cooking for The Observer. The walls of Palmer's kitchen are full of these strips.

Goofs
After Palmer escapes from his cell, he goes down some stairs and out a door; in the next shot he's running and in the background is obvious daylight. He then jumps over a fence and it's night time.

Quotes
Palmer: The fellow whose job I'm taking, will he show me the ropes?
Major Dalby: Maybe - if you're in touch with the spirit world.
Palmer: I beg your pardon?
Major Dalby: He was shot this morning.

Connections
Featured in V.I.P.-Schaukel: Episode #8.1 (1978)

Soundtracks
The Ipcress File (Main Title)
Composed, Arranged and Conducted by John Barry

User reviews144

Review

Featured review

7/10

A nice old spy film, where both sides are tough and smart

Although there are elements most of viewers know from James Bond movies, it is not a clone of them; it was just a mode or manner how spy films in Europe were directed and produced in the 1960ies and later on as well. Rude and drinking cops with poor "kinderstube" or questionable education started to appear in the U.S. films in the 1970ies.

At present, the issue of scientists changing sides or engaging them in creating armament, hacking systems, false objects etc. is still actual, most of it is done through money or promotion, but kidnapping or threats are still available in pariah countries. In the 1960ies, Albania had similar reputation than North-Korea today...

Recommendable to admirers of Michael Caine and/or thrillers without constant chases, bursts or awkward fooling. It is pleasant to recognise that the 2011 Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy bears the same nice traditions.