The Ipcress File was a downbeat and gritty antidote to the James Bond films.
The Harry Palmer films suddenly enter the psychedelic sixties with Billion Dollar Brain.
Ken Russell was never going to make this into a straightforward spy drama. He was more into exotic flourishes and that is exactly what he brings to the table.
Harry Palmer (Michael Caine) has left the secret service and is now a private detective. Out never means out and his old boss Colonel Ross forces Palmer back to work for MI5.
Palmer's mission whether he likes it or not is go to Finland and stop biological warfare. A mad oil tycoon General Midwinter (Ed Begley) wants to take a war to the Soviet communists. An old friend Newbigen (Karl Malden) is acting suspicious as he is pocketing some Midwinter's money.
Russell must have taken his cue from Dr Strangelove when it comes to General Midwinter. However this film is plodding and comes across more as a spoof than a serious spy drama without much underlying wit.
The Harry Palmer films suddenly enter the psychedelic sixties with Billion Dollar Brain.
Ken Russell was never going to make this into a straightforward spy drama. He was more into exotic flourishes and that is exactly what he brings to the table.
Harry Palmer (Michael Caine) has left the secret service and is now a private detective. Out never means out and his old boss Colonel Ross forces Palmer back to work for MI5.
Palmer's mission whether he likes it or not is go to Finland and stop biological warfare. A mad oil tycoon General Midwinter (Ed Begley) wants to take a war to the Soviet communists. An old friend Newbigen (Karl Malden) is acting suspicious as he is pocketing some Midwinter's money.
Russell must have taken his cue from Dr Strangelove when it comes to General Midwinter. However this film is plodding and comes across more as a spoof than a serious spy drama without much underlying wit.