IMDb >
The Russian Soldier (1986) (TV)
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user reviewsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Russian Soldier (1986) (TV) More at IMDbPro »
Overview
User Rating:
Your Rating:
Director:
Writer:
Brian Phelan (writer)
Release Date:
9 March 1986 (UK)
more
Genre:
User Reviews:
A haunting drama
more (1 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Warren Clarke | ... | Edgar Garrett |
| Alan MacNaughton | ... | Tuke |
 | Patrick Malahide | ... | John Carter |
| Jan Wood | ... | Julie Garrett |
| Steven Jackson | ... | Michael |
| Jerome Flynn | ... | Nigel |
| June Page | ... | Carole |
| Iain Rattray | ... | Govt Minister |
| Susan Dowdall | ... | First Civil Servant |
| Henry Moxon | ... | Second Civil Servant |
| Peter Sands | ... | Naval Officer |
| James Walker | ... | Bookseller |
| Douglas Harris | ... | Taff |
 | Richard Cubison | ... | Harry |
| Eileen Helsby | ... | Supervisor |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
85 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (1 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Russian Soldier (1986) (TV)Recommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Knockback | Mr. and Mrs. Edgehill | Dreamchild | Roald Dahl's Danny the Champion of the World | Secrets |
|
IMDb User Rating: |
IMDb User Rating: |
IMDb User Rating: |
IMDb User Rating: |
IMDb User Rating: |
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | IMDb Drama section |
| IMDb UK section | Add this title to MyMovies |
I saw this thoughtful, moving BBC drama when I was at school in England in the mid-80s, but it still remains in the middle distance of my memory. I remember thoroughly enjoying this tale, set against a backdrop of the bleak years of the Cold War. That I can still write about this work almost twenty years later is testament more to the memorability of the drama than to my powers of recall. I wish I could see it again.
Warren Clarke, best known as Dalziel in the BBC's Dalziel and Pascoe, plays a simple farmer whose uncomplicated rural life is turned upside down when his cattle inexplicably become sick. An initially sinister official from "the Ministry", played by Patrick Malahide, leads a team desperately trying to identify the source of the infection.
The Russian Soldier is not about the science of the search, but is rather a fundamentally human drama. Throughout, there are references to our paranoia and fragility. I recall several incredibly poignant, yet simple exchanges between characters. In particular, between Clarke and his young son, Malahide and his chief scientist, and finally, Clarke and Malahide.
Although seemingly irrelevant, the mysterious Russian soldier of the title who appears in the mist in the opening scene is ultimately the reason behind it all. "Get away from 'ere," commands Clarke, wishing away the shadowy nemesis, in what proves to be a powerful metaphor.