Agent of Influence (TV 2002)

This story of espionage and counter-espionage is based on the novel by Ian Adams. Suspicious circumstances surrounded the mysterious death of a Canadian diplomat. At the height of The Cold ... See full summary »

Director:

Michel Poulette

Writers:

Ian Adams, Riley Adams,

Stars:

Christopher Plummer, Marina Orsini, Ted Whittall

2 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christopher Plummer	...	John Watkins
Marina Orsini	...	Diane Fletcher
Ted Whittall	...	Robert Madison
Shaun Johnston	...	David Present
Kurtis Sanheim	...	Sean Fitzpatrick
Alain Goulem	...	Murray Fletcher
Terry Lawrence	...	Chris Hayden
Paul Coeur	...	Charles Adair
Gregory Hlady	...	Gregory Aloysha
Cas Anvar	...	Khamal Rashid
Norman Edge	...	Fletcher Sr.
Pierre Rivard	...	Mario Béliveau
Al Holt	...	Charles Blackburn
Doug MacLeod	...	James Jesus Angleton (as Douglas MacLeod)
John Dunn-Hill	...	Andrei Gromyko

Storyline

This story of espionage and counter-espionage is based on the novel by Ian Adams. Suspicious circumstances surrounded the mysterious death of a Canadian diplomat. At the height of The Cold War in October 1964, John Watkins, Canada's former ambassador to Moscow and a close friend of Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, is kidnapped and held in a hotel for questioning by the RCMP at the urging of the CIA. Several days into the interrogation he died. The official obituary claimed that he suffered a heart attack in the company of friends during a farewell supper celebrating his illustrious career.

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Plot Keywords:

cia | espionage | cold war | secret agent | canadian spy | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

June 2002 (Canada)

Also Known As:

Un agent d'influence

Filming Locations:

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Agent Productions, Alberta Film Development Program of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, The, Alberta Filmworks

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"UNCHAIN MY HEART"
Written by Bobby Sharp and Teddy Powell
Used with the permission of B-Sharp Music Company

User Reviews

CIA tries to frame John Watkins, Canadian ambassador to Russia under the Pearson government.

Engrossing and frightening expose of the unprincipled tactics of the CIA, in dealing with the RCMP to hunt down possible double agents among Canadian diplomats in Lester Pearson's circle. The true story of John Watkin's tragic death finally surfaces - how a good man is sacrificed by "commie hunters". Herbert Norman and Watkins were hounded by the CIA during the cold war, and even their friend Prime Minister Lester Pearson couldn't save them.

How timely for CTV to air this when Canada has the courage not to back the U.S. unilateral invasion of Iraq. This TV movie explains better than any lecture the roots of the tensions between the US and Canada in international affairs.

Terrific performance by Christopher Plummer as Watkins, a sophisticated homosexual whose deep sense of decency is finally recognized by the RCMP officer interrogating him. Effective direction by Michel Poulette.