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Game, Set, and Match

  • TV Series
  • 1988
  • 1h
IMDb RATING
8.4/10
289
YOUR RATING
Ian Holm in Game, Set, and Match (1988)
DramaThriller

Bernard Samson is a spy in the employ of S.I.S., London Central.Bernard Samson is a spy in the employ of S.I.S., London Central.Bernard Samson is a spy in the employ of S.I.S., London Central.

  • Stars
    • Ian Holm
    • Michael Culver
    • Michael Degen
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.4/10
    289
    YOUR RATING
    • Stars
      • Ian Holm
      • Michael Culver
      • Michael Degen
    • 33User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 2 BAFTA Awards
      • 2 nominations total

    Episodes13

    Browse episodes
    TopTop-rated1 season1988

    Photos4

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    Top cast81

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    Ian Holm
    Ian Holm
    • Bernard Samson
    • 1988
    Michael Culver
    Michael Culver
    • Dicky Cruyer
    • 1988
    Michael Degen
    • Werner Volkmann
    • 1988
    Anthony Bate
    Anthony Bate
    • Bret Renssalaer
    • 1988
    Gail Harrison
    • Tessa Kozinski
    • 1988
    Frederick Treves
    Frederick Treves
    • Frank Harrington
    • 1988
    Mel Martin
    Mel Martin
    • Fiona Samson
    • 1988
    Jamie Valder
    • Billy Samson
    • 1988
    Kirsten Valder
    • Sally Samson
    • 1988
    Amanda Donohoe
    Amanda Donohoe
    • Gloria Kent
    • 1988
    Struan Rodger
    Struan Rodger
    • Morgan
    • 1988
    Gottfried John
    Gottfried John
    • Erich Stinnes
    • 1988
    Brigitte Karner
    Brigitte Karner
    • Zena Volkmann
    • 1988
    John Wheatley
    John Wheatley
    • Julian McKenzie
    • 1988
    Gary Whelan
    Gary Whelan
    • George Kozinski
    • 1988
    Alexei Jawdokimov
    • Pavel Moskvin
    • 1988
    Eva Ebner
    • Frau Lisl Hennig
    • 1988
    Jeremy Child
    Jeremy Child
    • Henry Tiptree
    • 1988
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews33

    8.4289
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    Featured reviews

    10shrinkrapt-1

    It's amazing how frequently I think of this series

    I agree with everyone who says that this series was the best of the 'spy' genre. My husband and I were captivated by it when it first aired in the US and watched every episode. I tried at that time to purchase the series (I did tape all of it) but was told by WGBH that it was not available. I even considered writing to Ian Holm to see if he might have a copy! Like others, I purchased and read the Deighton series (in part to understand the complicated plot.) If the original version ever comes available on DVD, I'll be among the first in line to snap up a copy. Ian Holm's portrayal of the vulnerable but courageous Bernard Samson was amazing. (He is always amazing.)
    hillaryathome

    Game set match DVD

    I have a friend who has all 7 DVDs of it. It was made in Australia from Tapes of the series. I understand it took many months to compile it all But I saw it and it was great. So nice to see it after so many Years. They did change the plot - that's why Deighten was so unhappy with it, Even though it was beautifully done. Ian Holm was born to play Bernard Sampson I don't know if there's any interest in obtaining the DVDs but they do exist Something this good just can't disappear. Call me sentimental-I miss the cold war Simply because I love the books. So, if anyone is interested in getting a copy let me know and I'll Forward request to my friend. He doesn't want to do anything illegal, He just loves Deighten
    Roger Callan

    An espionage movie of the highest quality

    For those who love the spy movie this is a joy. Settle down for two or three evenings viewing and follow the detailed and fascinating plot. Watch this alongside so many current movies which treat the viewer as incapable of following anything that is not a simple tale. If there is anyone out there who has the means of arranging the series to DVD PLEASE DO, it would be a real thrill for many fans
    crogers-5

    Simply the best....

    Like many of the other viewers, I was lucky enough to tape this when it originally played. Until now, I have been mystified as to why it has never (a) been re-run or (b) never put on VHS or DVD. The film was expertly acted and simply the most realistic film ever of its genre. It captured the essense of the times and the places in which it was filmed. It is a true disservice to past and potential viewers that this creation is not available except to those who have the old tapes that will eventually crumble into disuse. Considering some of the lesser efforts that Len Deighton produced later on, I cannot understand why he would object to this magnificent portrayal of Bernard Samson et al.
    deaflove

    A Great Dramatization of Deighton's Great Spy Thriller

    This made for television movie, based on the three books Game, Set, Match, by Len Deighton, is one of the best spy dramas ever produced. Ian Holm is brilliant in his portrayal of the stoic but cunning Bernard Samson. If you are a Deighton fan, as well you should be, this is certainly the best adaptation of his work ever to appear in this media since Michael Caine starred in The Ipcress File and Funeral In Berlin. If you like spy thrillers, this a collector's item. It is certainly on par with "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" and one can only hope that it will be made available on DVD. I'll keep my fingers crossed that such wisdom will strike those who own the copyright!

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    Related interests

    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
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    Thriller

    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      Despite winning awards and being critically acclaimed in the U.K., it was a ratings disaster.

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    FAQ15

    • How many seasons does Game, Set, and Match have?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 3, 1988 (United Kingdom)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Juego, set y partido
    • Production company
      • Granada Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h(60 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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