A thrilling television series, based on Ben Macintyre’s book, stars Guy Pearce as Britain’s most notorious double-agent
contemplated writing a play about the pair; instead, he suggested that Mr Macintyre, who had published several books about double-agents and criminals, offer an account. The book draws onfiles and hitherto unseen papers and shines a valuable light on what Mr Macintyre considers “one of the most important conversations in the history of the cold war”—an exchange in Beirut during which Elliott obtained a confession from his old friend and arch-deceiver.
A six-episode series based on Mr Macintyre’s book has now been released on Britain’s new streaming service,. Starring Guy Pearce as Philby and Damian Lewis as Elliott, “A Spy Among Friends” has all the thrills, intrigue and skulduggery of its source material. The show reveals key moments in their friendship and turning-points in their careers, culminating in the two spies’ four-day showdown in Beirut.
Naturally Alex Cary, the screenwriter, has employed artistic licence and made changes to the record that thicken his plot and heighten the drama. One is the invention of Lily Thomas , anoperative tasked with investigating Elliott, around whom suspicion swirls. As she tells him: “What happened in Beirut is that the most dangerous Soviet penetration agent this country has ever known legged it. On your watch.
Lily is a working-class woman, and thus an outsider looking in on a world dominated by affluent, well-connected men. For a while, Philby’s privilege kept the mole-hunters at bay. In his memoir, “My Silent War”, he explained that he was protected by the “genuine mental block which stubbornly resisted the belief that respected members of the Establishment could do such things.”
The privilege afforded to the upper classes is an enduring, and particularly British, theme. But Philby’s treachery continues to appal and enthral because it taps into a universal anxiety, Mr Macintyre argues: “The fear that someone may appear utterly loyal and loving on the outside, and yet [be] quite different on the inside.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Messi assist makes Pearce drop microphone and clap as icon guides Argentina to finalLionel Messi delivered one of the great World Cup moments as reached the final at Croatia’s expense. With the Albiceleste two goals up in Tuesday’s semi-final, Messi booked a place in S…
Read more »
Messi assist makes Pearce drop microphone and clap as superstar rips Croatia apartLionel Messi delivered one of the great World Cup moments in Argentina’s World Cup semi-final against Croatia. With the Albiceleste two-goals up, Messi all-but booked their place in the final…
Read more »
Russian Spy Ring Ran Stolen US Weapons Tech Thru NH Home, Feds SayA group of Russians and Americans secretly funneled millions of dollars worth of military and other sensitive equipment through New Hampshire and elsewhere in the country to evade U.S. sanctions, federal officials announced Tuesday. The technology included ammunition for sniper rifles and electronics that can be used in nuclear or hypersonic — faster than the speed of sound — weapons,…
Read more »
Spy chiefs warned about tweets and TV appearancesThe head of MI6 tweets far more than any other head past or present, MPs say.
Read more »
Can you solve this Christmas puzzle created by spy experts?We want to know how you get on with the seven festive puzzles that have been designed by real spies.
Read more »