The Spy Who Came in From the Cold

For some reason, Martin Ritt's compelling adaptation of John Le Carré's classic spy thriller never quite achieved classic status. Perhaps the bleak black-and-white cinematography and somber personality seemed too glum to fit into the popular perception of espionage movies (although the casting of Bernard Lee, “M” from the James Bond series, in a small role as a grocer, offers a nice inside joke at the derring-do spy antics this film intentionally avoided). Or maybe the Cold War showdown was too grim circa 1965 to register with audiences and is too distant today to carry much emotional punch. In any event, this overlooked gem offers a rich cerebral twist on the genre and is blessed with one of the finest ensemble casts of its era. Richard Burton's performance as the British spy sent into East Germany on a phony defection/undercover campaign is among the most restrained and subdued of his career, and he is wonderfully complimented by two underappreciated actors, Claire Bloom and Oskar Werner, and a small galaxy of British reliables who provide proper menace and intrigue (including Esmond Knight, Michael Hordern, Cyril Cusack, and Rupert Davies as George Smiley, a character who would become central to the Le Carré oeuvre in later years). Presented here with a solid transfer but no DVD extras, this is highly recommended. (P. Hall)[DVD Review—Nov. 25, 2008—Criterion, 2 discs, 112 min., not rated, $39.95—Making its second appearance on DVD, 1965's The Spy Who Came in from the Cold features a stunning transfer and Dolby Digital stereo sound. DVD extras on this two-disc Criterion Collection edition include the hour-long 2000 BBC documentary “The Secret Centre: John le Carré” on the author, select scene commentary by cinematographer Oswald Morris (40 min.), a video interview with Le Carré (39 min.), a 1967 interview with star Richard Burton for the BBC (33 min.), a 1985 audio interview with director Martin Ritt by film historian Patrick McGilligan, a set design gallery, and a booklet featuring a new essay by critic Michael Sragow. Bottom line: an excellent extras package for a fine thriller.][Blu-ray Review—Sept. 10, 2013—Criterion, 112 min., not rated, $39.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1965's The Spy Who Came in from the Cold features a fine transfer and an uncompressed stereo soundtrack. Extras are identical to Criterion's earlier DVD release, including the 2000 BBC documentary “The Secret Centre: John le Carré” on the author (60 min.), select scene commentary by cinematographer Oswald Morris (40 min.), an interview with Le Carré (39 min.), a 1967 episode of BBC's Acting in the 60's featuring critic Kenneth Tynan's interview with star Richard Burton (33 min.), a 1985 audio interview with director Martin Ritt by film historian Patrick McGilligan, a set design gallery, and a booklet featuring a new essay by critic Michael Sragow. Bottom line: a solid thriller makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]