OTHER LE CARRE’S WE HAVE LOVED

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, 1965

This Richard Burton classic took $7,600,000 at the box office. The adaptation stuck closely to the book but the character of Liz Gold became Nan Perry in the film so viewers wouldn’t confuse the lead with Liz Taylor (Burton’s then wife).

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, 1979

Ex-spy George Smiley (Alec Guinness) is pulled out of retirement to find a Soviet mole in MI6 in this BBC miniseries. To prepare for his role, Guinness spoke to Sir Maurice Oldfield, who served as chief of the British Intelligence Service in the ’70s.

Smiley’s People, 1982

In the sequel to Tinker Tailor,

Smiley comes head to head with Russian spymaster Karla. Guinness returned to the role and the series was heralded by The New York Times as ‘the best show you are likely to see on television’.

The Constant Gardener, 2005

This film follows a British diplomat (Ralph Fiennes) in Kenya as he tries to solve the murder of his wife (Rachel Weisz). It was nominated for four Oscars and Weisz won Best Supporting Actress.

The Night Manager, 2016

Tom Hiddleston plays Jonathan Pine, who is recruited by a government agent to gather information on businessman Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie). This sexed-up adaptation went on to win three Golden Globes and two Emmys.