moonspinner55 Flashy, empty romantic drama-lite has Dirk Bogarde in good form as Sebastian, a brilliant mathematician in London who supervises an all-female staff of cryptologists (or, decoders) to crack complex codes for British Intelligence. The opening scenes featuring job interviews followed by a new group of hires on their first day (including university dropout Susannah York, who has a keen mind for deciphering letters and numbers) are lively and intriguing. Unfortunately, the rather inert affair which develops on the sidelines between Bogarde and a smitten York stops the film's breathless pace in its tracks. It isn't even a romantic affair that we see--neither highly-charged nor a slow-to-blossom union--and it just gets in the way (though it's meant to tie the finish together with a happy ribbon). Another plot, with Sebastian having tendered his resignation but brought back to the fore with a chance to help the Americans decipher a code from a Russian satellite, is just a tease, while the time away from the office (where the heart of the picture really lies) has drained all the effervescence from the narrative. ** from ****

writers_reign This is perhaps best described as Swinging Sixties preserved in amber past its sell-by date. The presence of Lilli Palmer sold it to me and whilst she's the best thing in it by a mile she is also so NOT Swinging Sixties and floats above it serenely. Romantic leads Dirk Bogarde and Susannah York have all the chemistry of Moishe Dayan and Golda Meir and it's no better with Bogarde and his mistress (soon to be discarded in favour of York) Janet Munro. The only female besides Palmer who seems to have a clue is Margaret Johnston as a sort of den mother. Johnny Gielgud is on hand to lend a bit of class and Nigel Davenport totally lacks credibility as Head of inept security. Apart from that it's a gem.

screenman I haven't seen this movie for at least 25 years so my rating is obviously a shot from the hip. I do recollect enjoying its slightly quirky idea at the time.Featuring Dirk Bogarde, Britain's prettiest closet gay, as yet another handsome heterosexual; he gives his usual competent turn as a cryptologist-par-excellence who is so obsessed with his craft that he can't even concentrate on sexy Susannah York (though we all know the real reason).The movie is an interesting and light-hearted take on the business of code-breaking. Bletchley Park meets swinging sixties. Groovy, baby. It's an unpretentious little relic that seems to have been largely forgotten. Which is a shame, because it deserves an airing from time to time. It makes a great contrast with the coolly laconic and rather more serious 'Ipcress File'.Its cast is really quite amazing for such a 'lost' movie. As well as Bogarde and York there's the irreplaceable John Gielgud, Nigel Davenport, Donald Sutherland, and Ronald Fraser. Even the late Alan Freeman, one of the most enduring pirate/BBC DJ's of the late 20th century plays the part - of a DJ. What more can a movie ask?Worth a watch, if only for such an excellent cast.

kaz-26 Saw the movie on cable last night, and while I didn't get quite all of it, I thought Dirk Bogarde was very handsome, and thought he played his part very well. Interesting look at 60s culture. Sometimes I couldn't quite follow the storyline. I was also uncomfortable with some violent tendencies in Sebastian, especially when he hits York. Not a bad film, but I didn't like it as much as some of his other films.