Smiley's People

1982 • BBC
4.8
18 reviews
Eligible
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Season 1 episodes (6)

1 Episode 1
20/9/82
Season-only
What is the connection between Maria Ostrakova, a Russian exile living in Paris, and the brutal murder in London of General Vladimir, an emigre Soviet General and former British agent? Spymaster George Smiley is summoned from his retirement to investigate.
2 Episode 2
27/9/82
Season-only
After Vladimir's death, Smiley makes inquiries among a number of Russian exiles in London, and uncovers the negative of an astonishing photograph.
3 Episode 3
4/10/82
Season-only
Smiley finds out that his nemesis, the dreaded Soviet spymaster Karla, is harbouring a deep secret involving his personal life. In Hamburg he tries to track down Vladimir's assistant, Otto Leipzig.
4 Episode 4
11/10/82
Season-only
Smiley gets into trouble with his superiors whilst in Hamburg, but he leaves the city with valuable information. He now needs to get Maria Ostrakova to safety.
5 Episode 5
18/10/82
Season-only
Otto Leipzig is dead, but after Kirov's confession the trail becomes clearer, and Smiley finds himself travelling to Switzerland.
6 Episode 6
25/10/82
Season-only
With information gained from Russian ambassador Grigoriev and a meeting with the elusive Alexandra, the scene is set for Smiley's final confrontation with his arch enemy, Karla.

About this show

The bespectacled spymaster is once more called from retirement to come to the aid of the 'Circus' - and he returns with a vengeance. The murder of an emigre Soviet General who was also a British agent, sends him digging into the past on a twisted trail across Europe that moves, inexorably, towards a final showdown with his old adversary, Karla of Moscow Centre. Sir Alec Guinness, the definitive Smiley, brings John le Carre's greatest creation to life in this acclaimed dramatisation. Compulsive to the end.

Ratings and reviews

4.8
18 reviews
Lou Menzies
14 May 2016
Sir Alec Guinness, along with a great supporting cast, make this a classic show worth watching, loved it!
Phillip Brown
24 May 2022
Well worth watching! Recommend reading the book by John Le Carre first...
Gregory White
6 October 2015
Timeless