Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (TV Mini Series)

Return to the Circus (1979)

Michael Jayston: Peter Guillam

Photos 

Quotes 

• George Smiley : I've been reviewing my situation in the last half-hour of hell, and I've come to a very grave decision. After a lifetime of living by my wits, and on my memory, I shall give myself up full-time to the profession of forgetting. I'm going to put an end to some emotional attachments with have long outlived their purpose. Namely the Circus, this house, my whole past. I shall sell up and buy a cottage, in the Cotswolds, I think. Steeple Aston sounds about right. Do I need overnight things?

  Peter Guillam : I'm not taking any.

  George Smiley : There I shall establish myself as a mild eccentric. Discursive, withdrawn, but posessing one or two lovable habits, such as muttering to myself as I bumble along innocent pavements. I shall become an oak of my own generation.

• Peter Guillam : "Reason as logic, or reason as motive, or reason as a way of life? They don't have to give me a reason, I can write my own damn reason." I thought that was pretty impressive for someone who'd drunk as much as you had.

• George Smiley : I saw you parking this toy in Pearson Street this afternoon. I ran away immediately. Good guess on your part.

  Peter Guillam : What made you think I was looking for you?

  George Smiley : I hoped you were.

• George Smiley : [about Guillam's car]  It's far too young for you.

  Peter Guillam : It's quick.

• Peter Guillam : What happened tonight, George?

  [silence] 

  Peter Guillam : How's Ann?

  George Smiley : Roddy Martindale happened tonight. Why do I permit it? I tell myself it's for politeness' sake. It's not, it's weakness. And the fact that I've nothing better to do... My wife's fine, thank you.

• George Smiley : Why did Lacon send you for me?

  Peter Guillam : Do you mean WHY did he send me for you? Or why did he send ME for you?

  George Smiley : Quite right, Peter. I should have known better than to have asked.

• George Smiley : I'm so out of touch, Peter. Does Lacon have any particular titles these days?

  Peter Guillam : Just Sir Oliver of the Cabinet Office. You know how he loves being one of nature's prefects.

• Ricki Tarr : [to Smiley]  Twelve years ago nobody, but nobody, got taken on unless he got past you. Not even scalphunters, though they were not quite your type. We all had to get the nod from Mr Smiley.

  Peter Guillam : Tarr...

  George Smiley : Of course I remember you, Ricki. Your father was an Australian, as I recall a solicitor and a non-conformist preacher; altogether a most unusual chap to pop up in Marseilles. But such odd circumstances do seem to provide us with suitable personnel.