Those whose idea of a spy thriller is James Bond will be disappointed in "Smiley's People". George Smiley is definitely NOT James Bond. George Smiley uses no high-tech gadgets, gets into no spectacular car chases, doesn't go to bed with a single sexy woman, and there is not one single explosion in the entire six-part miniseries. "Smiley's People" is a spy thriller intended for grownups, not adolescents.
Those points being granted, however, "Smiley's People" is a brilliant, intricate, thinking-man's spy thriller, worthy of the author of "Tinker, Tailor, Solder, Spy" and "The Spy Who Came In From the Cold".
An aging Russian émigré suddenly contacts British Intelligence with information about the activities of a Soviet spy-master and demands a meeting, which goes tragically wrong. Restricted by bureaucracy from getting involved in any sort of skullduggery, British Intelligence summons retired spy-master George Smiley out of retirement as an independent contractor to sort the mess out.
Alec Guinness, who probably played more different sorts of characters than any other actor, considered George Smiley to be his favorite role. Unlike most of Guinness' other roles, there is nothing flashy about George Smiley. Smiley is quiet and thoughtful. He stays within himself, asking questions but giving little away. His face remains impassive and rarely betrays what he is thinking. His manner is quiet and conservative, the sort of man who would attract little attention. However, he is extremely astute and one of the most brilliant counter-espionage agents around. The fact that he is so bland meant that the part of George Smiley was probably a whole lot more difficult to play than most of the flashy character roles for which Guinness was known.
Give this one an 8 for it's intricate, thoughtful plot and the superb performance by Alec Guinness.
Those points being granted, however, "Smiley's People" is a brilliant, intricate, thinking-man's spy thriller, worthy of the author of "Tinker, Tailor, Solder, Spy" and "The Spy Who Came In From the Cold".
An aging Russian émigré suddenly contacts British Intelligence with information about the activities of a Soviet spy-master and demands a meeting, which goes tragically wrong. Restricted by bureaucracy from getting involved in any sort of skullduggery, British Intelligence summons retired spy-master George Smiley out of retirement as an independent contractor to sort the mess out.
Alec Guinness, who probably played more different sorts of characters than any other actor, considered George Smiley to be his favorite role. Unlike most of Guinness' other roles, there is nothing flashy about George Smiley. Smiley is quiet and thoughtful. He stays within himself, asking questions but giving little away. His face remains impassive and rarely betrays what he is thinking. His manner is quiet and conservative, the sort of man who would attract little attention. However, he is extremely astute and one of the most brilliant counter-espionage agents around. The fact that he is so bland meant that the part of George Smiley was probably a whole lot more difficult to play than most of the flashy character roles for which Guinness was known.
Give this one an 8 for it's intricate, thoughtful plot and the superb performance by Alec Guinness.