Harry's Game is a brilliant 3 part thriller made for TV screened in 1983. It benefits from sticking very closely to the source novel - which is a classic of its genre. Set mainly in Northern Ireland, it is an atmospheric, chilling thriller which has perhaps the best unexpected ending for a TV drama of all time.
The story is strong and holds the viewer interest over 2 and a half hours. The action is at a minimum and the pace creates a tense atmosphere throughout. ALthough the nature of this drama is violent, it cannot be accused of being too graphic, even the assassination of the MP at the beginning of the thriller isn't offensive. The climatic chase across Belfast and the final confrontation of Harry and Billy Downes is cracking.
The acting is superb from the leads played by Ray Lonnen and Derek Thompson all the way through the supporting cast. Particular standout performances are from Sean Caffery as Insp. Rennie, Tony Rohr as the chilling IRA boss and the ever-reliable Geoffrey Chater as Frost. Particularly notable in an early role is Coronation Street's Charlie Lawson as Seamus Duffryn.
The story is strong and holds the viewer interest over 2 and a half hours. The action is at a minimum and the pace creates a tense atmosphere throughout. ALthough the nature of this drama is violent, it cannot be accused of being too graphic, even the assassination of the MP at the beginning of the thriller isn't offensive. The climatic chase across Belfast and the final confrontation of Harry and Billy Downes is cracking.
The acting is superb from the leads played by Ray Lonnen and Derek Thompson all the way through the supporting cast. Particular standout performances are from Sean Caffery as Insp. Rennie, Tony Rohr as the chilling IRA boss and the ever-reliable Geoffrey Chater as Frost. Particularly notable in an early role is Coronation Street's Charlie Lawson as Seamus Duffryn.