If you’ve never watched the film The Ipcress File, I want to
persuade you that you should. It should be in anyone’s film collection
especially if you like classic British films. The Ipcress File film was released
in the same year 1964 as Goldfinger.
Michael Caine plays Harry Palmer in this classy spy thriller.
With a lucrative black-market business in cold war Berlin back in the day its not long before he attracts the eyes
of the local police who eventually catch him. Out of luck, soldier Palmer is
given the option, prison or working for British intelligence, he picks the latter who wouldn't.
Harry Palmer is the working-class answer to James Bond. Unlike
Bond, Palmer doesn't get to trot the globe, bed exotic lovelies although he beds the sexy Sue Lloyd (Jean Courtney) or play with
funky gadgets. Even the name of this boss feels totally different the Bonds M ... Colonel H.L. Ross with sixties grey London is the background to this film.
Palmer with his thick-rimmed glasses can pull the ladies when he is interested. While Bond just has to look at some woman
to bed them Palmer gourmet cooks for his love interest. The plot revolves
around the kidnapping of scientists Palmer is transferred by Guy Doleman as
Col. Ross to counter-intelligence working under Major Dalby (Nigel Green) who is
investigating the "Brain-Drain" in England. Several top scientists have
either been kidnapped or cease to function in the laboratory.
While he tracks down the baddies there is plenty intrigue
between two British intelligence departments adds to the suspense of the film,
which is turn up a key when Palmer accidentally kills an American CIA man. When he
ends up in the baddies hands, given the full brainwashing treatment until he
manages to escape. Thinking he was in some eastern European country, jumping
over the wall, he is surprised to find himself still in London.
The film is pacey and will keep you guessing, and has an
excellent soundtrack and well blessed with an excellent cast. Nigel Green, who
plays Major Dalby makes his character come true with little effort. So does Guy
Doleman as Col. Ross. Sue Lloyd, Gordon Jackson, and the rest of the actors
give amazing performances.
If i was some big intelligence boss i would plum for Harry Palmer over Mr Bond.
If i was some big intelligence boss i would plum for Harry Palmer over Mr Bond.
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