Ring of Spies

Ring of Spies
Original UK 1-sheet poster
Directed by	Robert Tronson
Produced by	Leslie Gilliat
Written by	Peter Barnes Frank Launder
Starring	Bernard Lee William Sylvester Margaret Tyzack David Kossoff Nancy Nevinson Thorley Walters
Cinematography	Arthur Lavis
Edited by	Thelma Connell
Distributed by	British Lion Films Paramount Pictures
Release dates	March 24, 1964 (1964-03-24)
Running time	90 minutes
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English

Ring of Spies (also known as Ring of Treason) is a 1964 British spy film^[1] based on the real-life case of the Portland Spy Ring, whose activities prompted "Reds under the bed" scare stories in the British popular press in the early 1960s.^{[2] [3] [4]}

Plot

A dissatisfied Navy clerk begins handling secret documents when he is approached by secret Soviet intelligence to hand over documents to them. Although he is being blackmailed, he agrees to do so while also being paid for the information. He begins an affair with the secretary who also has access to greater secret documents. Together, the couple continue to procure information for Soviet intelligence while getting paid. Soon, the British government gets wind of their betrayal.

Cast

• Bernard Lee as Henry Houghton
• William Sylvester as Gordon Lonsdale
• Margaret Tyzack as Elizabeth Gee
• David Kossoff as Peter Kroger
• Nancy Nevinson as Helen Kroger
• Thorley Walters as Cmdr. Winters
• Philip Latham as Captain Ray
• Cyril Chamberlain as Anderson
• Justine Lord as Christina
• Patrick Barr as Captain Warner
• Derek Francis as Chief Supt. Croft

Critical reception

TV Guide gave the film 2.5 out of 5 stars, and noted that the film "concentrates on factual evidence leading up to the crack in the case. Lending an air of authenticity, shots of the actual spies appear in the opening frames," and concluded that "despite the documentary flavor, there are a few witty touches by the hand of Tronson" ;^[5] while David Parkinson in the Radio Times gave it 3 out of 5 stars, and felt "the docudramatic style rather undermines director Robert Tronson's attempts to build suspense," but "Frank Launder proved himself to be just as capable of turning out a nail-biting thriller, as he was of crafting a chortle-worthy comedy. For once, separated from his usual partner, Sidney Gilliat (although the latter's brother Leslie acted as producer), Launder and co-writer Peter Barnes capably retell the story of the Portland spy ring." ^[1]

External links

• Ring of Spies at the Internet Movie Database
• Ring of Spies at AllMovie

References