IPCRESS FILE 'Goodbye Harry' - John Barry

Ipcress File (1965) directed by Sidney J. Furie. The film, from Len Deighton's spy novel, was designed to be in direct contrast to the Bond adventures, although Harry Saltzman ended up employing much of the same production staff, including production designer Ken Adam, editor Peter Hunt and composer John Barry. Superficially, there are many similarities, even to the extent of beginning the film with a dramatic pre-credit sequence. Like Bond, the hero is clearly his own man, has a taste for fine foods and is popular with women, and even carries a non-standard-issue weapon. But the similarities end there. Harry Palmer wears spectacles, shops in a supermarket (still a novelty in 1965) and is a sergeant working off a two-year sentence for black market activities in Berlin.
The story set in 1960's swinging London. Harry Palmer becomes a government intelligence agent to avoid an army court-martial, his latest assignment is to investigate a scientific brain drain along with agent Dalby (Nigel Green). Their mission is to locate the kidnappers of missing doctor Radcliffe (Aubrey Richards), make a deal with them for the return of their latest victim and a valuable file in his possession. Harry bargains for the scientists return but discovers the man has been brain washed; the spy agency wants their ransom money back and wishes to know the identity of the kidnappers. Harry continues on the trail and then discovers one of his bosses is a double agent. Nigel Green and Gordon Jackson lend authentic support; Sue Lloyd is the woman seduced by Harry's kitchen skills.
Although he had already played a supporting role in 'Zulu' (d. Cy Enfield, 1964) and had appeared in a few other films, Michael Caine's career really took off with his starring role in Ipcress. He would reprise the role of Harry Palmer in two interesting sequels, 'Funeral in Berlin' (d. Guy Hamilton, 1966) and 'Billion Dollar Brain' (d. Ken Russell, 1967).

Trivia - Palmer is the first action hero to wear glasses and emphasis in the film is played on his poor eyesight. The camera is often out of focus, or shoots through objects, such as a pair of cymbals, lampshades, a parking meter and even a keyhole, creating a visually abstract world that contrasts with the otherwise gritty and realistic look of the film.
Sue Lloyd was dubbed by Nikki Van der Zyl.
Joan Collins had previously been considered for the role of Jean Courtney.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Michael-Caine
• Harry-Palmer
• Nigel-Green
• Guy-Doleman
• Sue-Lloyd
• Gordon-Jackson
• Aubrey-Richards
• Frank-Gatliff
• Thomas-Baptiste

[jmessy007]

John Barry YOU'VE GOT TALENT! .... I MEAN WOW!!!

5 STAR!

Great post Rob!

Jack

[Soundtrackcollector]

Thanks for your comment Jack.

[2206411411]

Probably one of the darkest spy movies of all time, certainly one of the best. The actual hostility between the real-world spy agencies was possibly darker yet - SIS, SOE and MI9 had a deep hatred of each other and reputedly betrayed the agents of the others to enemy nations. Even when they weren't in the pay of such nations, as was Kim Philby and the Cambridge Five. This fan trailer really catches the spirit of both the movie and the reality. Excellent work.

[Soundtrackcollector]

Great comment!

[JollyRodders]

Guy Doleman was great playing Col. Ross.

[Southland27]

The Ipcress File and Funeral in Berlin...Unforgettable classics. Michael Caine at his best. As was Guy Doleman as Col. Ross.

[hrrogersjr]

Totally correct: ...way ahead of it's time...!

[shitsumeilegumovitch]

This film was way ahead of its time. The work of an amazing director, along with a great cinematographer, editor, composer, and other crew. Wonderful, spellbinding. Sid Furie hated the screenplay, but I'd say it balanced him out -- it's just a perfect mix, this film. Michael Caine's acting is the only weak spot.

[rossobantam]

'the thinking man's James Bond' IIRC the Harry Potter trilogy was called

[theschizoidman]

Rest in Peace, John.

[tooterooterville]

This movie will be one of my all time fav's. Nigel Green is fantastic - the quintessential English toff.

[denisbarnard]

Yes, fab character.... fruity accent