Episode #1.1 (20 Sep. 1982)

What is the connection between a penniless Russian woman in Paris and the brutal murder of an old man in a London park? And so begins a new conundrum for George Smiley to sort out.

Director:

Simon Langton

Writers:

John le Carré (screenplay), John Hopkins (screenplay),

Stars:

Alec Guinness, Curd Jürgens, Eileen Atkins

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Alec Guinness	...	George Smiley
Curd Jürgens	...	The General
Eileen Atkins	...	Madame Ostrakova
Dudley Sutton	...	Oleg Kirov
Michael Gough	...	Mikhel
Vladek Sheybal	...	Otto Leipzig
Bill Paterson	...	Lauder Strickland
Anthony Bate	...	Oliver Lacon
Michael Elphick	...	Detective Chief Superintendent
Ingrid Pitt	...	Elvira
Paul Herzberg	...	Villem Craven
Stephen Riddle	...	Nigel Mostyn
Harry Walker	...	Murgotroyd
Trevor Cooper	...	Sergeant Pike
Renny Krupinski	...	Attaché Kuznetsov

Storyline

In Paris, a Russian émigré is approached by a ginger-haired Russian official and told that her daughter Alexandra may be allowed to join her in the West. Madame Ostrakova had been given permission to join her husband who had defected to the West but at a great cost: she was forced to leave her infant daughter behind. She follows instructions and applies for a visa for her daughter at the Russian Embassy. When weeks go by and she hears nothing, she writes to a former Soviet General, Vladimir, who now lives in London. He realizes something important in what she says and contacts the Circus, headquarters of the British Secret Service. When he is found dead on Hampstead Heath, George Smiley is called out of retirement to tie up any loose ends and ensure the old General's death doesn't raise any of his former connections to the Service.

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Plot Keywords:

daughter | old man | boat | bus driver | defector | 

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 September 1982 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

The General: Get me Max immediately!
Nigel Mostyn: Look, Max isn't here. I'm sorry.
The General: There must be a meeting. Tonight. A meeting or nothing! I insist on Moscow Rules! Tell Max I've been in touch with certain friends. Yes, and through friends, with neighbours. Tell this to Max.

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