Game, Set, and Match

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.)

An excellent series, masterfully acted and directed, but unloved (I am told) by Mr Deighton and withdrawn by him after a single presentation. It is now only viewable in private collections, and via the British Film Institute at special request. Very unfortunate, as Ian Holm's nuanced portrayal of the weary-but-determined Bernard Samson is superb; one of his very best performances. The supporting cast, including the young Amanda Donohoe and Hugh Fraser, are superb. With Mel Martin playing the conflicted and traitorous wife, and Michael Degen as the mercurial Werner, the story positively simmers with the tragic and fateful personal consequences of the great game.

Others have done an excellent job summarising this fine mini-series, so I won't bother going into details. I did want to mention that, on a BBS devoted to Len Deighton's work, it was mentioned (although not independently verified) that it was indeed Deighton who kept the series from going to tape (or any other subsequent medium) because of his displeasure with its realisation (stupid temperamental writers!).

It was only by chance that I learned about the series the morning of the day the first episode was to air (unlike one of the other reviewers, I knew Ian Holm very well, first from Alien, and I just happened to notice his picture in the paper in an article previewing the series). I had the foresight to tape it, but missed getting the post-first-episode interview with Ian Holm (tape ran out), which I kick myself for to this very day.

I'm sure I'm not alone in stating that this series NEEDS to be on DVD, but until Deighton dies, this probably won't happen (and I am completely mystified as to what it was he objected to - the series brought every one of the characters to vivid, realistic life, was incredibly (though not slavishly) true to the books, and so enthralled me that I went out and bought all of Deighton's spy novels, even though I'd never read one before). Until then, those of us with tapes will continue to set aside 13 hours every year or so to enjoy this incredibly well-produced, well-acted, and well-told story, hoping each year as the tapes slowly corrode that Deighton will have a change (or massive infarction) of heart and let us have this series in all its glory on DVD...

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.

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