Synopsis

Forget James Bond for a moment and step into the real, dour and chilling world of spies and counterspies. Richard Burton was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for his role as the burned-out British agent who refuses to "come in from the cold" to take a desk job. Instead, he launches into the most dangerous assignment of his career, stalking East German agent (and Golden Globe winner) Oskar Werner. John Le Carre's best-selling novel provides the basis for this breathtaking thriller of espionage, intrigue, crosses and double crosses. First-rate performances from the entire cast are matched by a tension-packed and brilliantly-plotted screenplay, with masterful direction from Martin Ritt ("Hud," "Sounder").