A Deadly Game (1979 TV Movie) User Reviews

Delightful Muffin

[nomorefog · 8/10 · 27 January 2014]

As obscurities go, "Charlie Muffin" is an unlikely entry into the genre of the 'never-heard-of-it'. For a British spy story, it is surprisingly hip, street-wise and terribly ironic. Not as serious as "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" but perhaps more entertaining, it takes a sceptical look at the so-called glamour of cold war entrapment, lying, kidnapping and other things that are actually being done to you by your own side.

David Hemmings is as comfortable as an old shoe in the title role, and Ralph Richardson has a couple of minutes of invaluable screen-time as his old boss, whose methods were, shall we say, a little more orthodox than the somewhat obtuse fellow who is giving Charlie his orders at the moment.

I once owned this on ex-rental video, but was delighted to find out that the version posted on You Tube is at least thirty minutes longer. More laughs, more thrills and more sublime take-downs of the British spying establishment before they had the sense to elect Margaret Thatcher lol.

"Always secure an escape route"

[hwg1957-102-265704 · 8/10 · 11 February 2017]

Made for television by Euston Films in 1979 this is a wonderful look at the world of secret agents that is very far from the world of James Bond. More like John Le Carre with much more humour. Its main character is Charlie Muffin, an aging and cynical agent who isn't liked by his own service. The plot winds around sinuously until the satisfying ending, involving British, American and Russian spies. It needs watching twice to enjoy the subtleties of the script (by Keith Waterhouse) and the direction (by Jack Gold).

Charlie Muffin is played excellently by David Hemmings, whose down at heel and tired appearance belies a beguiling charm and an incisive mind. The role and the actor are a perfect fit. He is supported by some great talent including Ian Richardson as his boss, Pinkas Braun as the Russian general, Sam Wanamaker as the American boss and Clive Revill as the captured spy. The scene between Richardson and Wanamaker in the restaurant is priceless. The only negative thing about this engrossing film is that Sir Ralph Richardson is only in it for one scene as Charlie's old boss.

The author Brian Freemantle wrote several novels about Charlie Muffin but this was unfortunately the only one filmed. It would have been good to see more made with David Hemmings.

Exceptional cold-war spy story

[SMK-4 · 9/10 · 10 December 1998]

Charlie Muffin is an exceptional cold-war spy story. Our title hero is not very glamorous by James Bond standards: no spying gadgets, no Pussy Galores, no megalomaniac enemies with crocodile farms. It's simply the old West vs. East story during the cold war. Charlie is an exceptional spy with exceptional methods and exceptional results, but that is not much appreciated by his peers who want rules and not exceptions.

Although this spy story is set in the real world and not in comic book land, we have the odd chase, explosion and deception here and there, and although they are perhaps slightly less spectacular than in the world of Derek Flint their impact is larger, because they happen in a context we can relate to. Not only that, but the story keeps us also guessing. In our traditional spy film we know who's going to win (the good guys, of course) and how our hero will cope at the end (with a bottle of champagne under one arm and a glamour puss under the other). But this world is not that black and white and right up to the end one could imagine many outcomes, and the actual ending makes a fitting climax to a great film.

David Hemmings plays the title character understated: intelligent but inconspicuous, moderate but stylish. Generally the cast is excellent; I especially loved Pinkas Braun as the defected Kalenin.

Great movie for Charlie Muffin fans

[Sabalon · 4 August 2003]

I have been a Brian Freemantle/Charlie Muffin fan for years. This is the first Charlie Muffin story, and I was curious how well it would translate over. With the exception of the ending, this movie is very faithful to the book (or my memory of the book).

If you are expecting James Bond, you'll be shocked. The idea behind Charlie is that he is an agent, not a superhero. Plagued by sore feet and disliking guns, he is not your hollywood spy. David Hemmings did a TERRIFIC job in portraying Charlie and giving him an everyman quality.

The only problem I had with the whole movie was the cover shot. It is just too "out of character" looking.