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The Ipcress File

(22 Posts)
BigBertha1 Mon 07-Mar-22 06:41:39

Anyone else watched this....I went to sleep? What happened?

Calendargirl Mon 07-Mar-22 06:56:13

A bit lengthy to explain. Harry was released from prison by Major Someone?, played by Tom Hollander, to act as a sort of spy for MI5/MI6? to get a baddie with a missing finger to tell him where a kidnapped atom bomb scientist was. All went pear shaped, Harry ran away at top speed whilst being machine gunned by Soviet baddies.

I never saw the Michael Caine original, but thought this version was ok.

It all felt rather surreal with what is going on in the world at the moment.

Calendargirl Mon 07-Mar-22 06:57:11

There is another 5 episodes, so I think Harry survives.

Kittye Mon 07-Mar-22 10:26:05

I watched last night, but felt Joe Cole didn’t have quite the charm of Michael Caine. He looked for too young.
I’m not saying he’s a poor actor as enjoying him playing John Shelby in Peaky Blinders. Will continue watching it though.

JaneJudge Mon 07-Mar-22 11:12:29

I just felt quite confused

lixy Mon 07-Mar-22 11:18:03

Like Calendargirl I felt the timing of this was a bit 'off' given the current Ukranian situation.

However, I enjoyed watching it and will continue with the series. Dropped a few stitches in the knitting so maybe will just watch and concentrate next time!

luluaugust Mon 07-Mar-22 11:36:53

I shall be sticking with it, I feel Tom Hollander could steal the show though.

Visgir1 Mon 07-Mar-22 12:18:40

Thought it was good. Never saw the original or had any idea of the story?

GrandmaSeaDragon Mon 07-Mar-22 12:43:15

Fortunately I recorded it as well as watching, it’s one you do have to watch and not do cross stitch at the same time! I remember the original but not sure I followed that either. Will definitely rewatch this week and try to keep up next Sunday.

NfkDumpling Mon 07-Mar-22 15:23:11

I know nothing of the original and last nights had me glued to the edge of my seat. Couldn't knit as it needed concentration not to miss vital bits. We're recording it so as to avoid the ad breaks.

welbeck Mon 07-Mar-22 15:27:02

can't be a patch on the original, as far as i'm concerned, so won't be watching.
old fogies R us.

Kim19 Mon 07-Mar-22 16:03:57

Couldn't sleep so I binged it. Only okay for me.

BlueSapphire Mon 07-Mar-22 16:41:33

Watched it, remember seeing the original, and couldn't follow that either! But I'll continue watching for the clothes and hairstyles of the time. Thought whoever was good as Harry, and Tom Hollander excellent. Thought he was good in The Night Manager too. Anyone remember Tom Hiddleston in that?.....

Sparklefizz Mon 07-Mar-22 16:47:22

Enjoying it, and loving the clothes and hairstyles. They have got them just right in this, (unlike in Call the Midwife.)

Never saw the original.

Tom Hollander is excellent. Yes, he was good in The Night Manager too (most of which I watched through my fingers as it was so scary!!)

Pepper59 Mon 07-Mar-22 18:00:55

Sorry, if it ain't Michael Caine, it ain't happening. Another fogey here.

travelsafar Wed 09-Mar-22 18:54:39

Really enjoying this version which surprises me as Michael Caine was brilliant in the role. Loving the outfits and hairstyles of the blonde girl, she looks stunning.

Oopsadaisy1 Wed 09-Mar-22 18:59:03

I’ll join the old fogeys, Michael Caine had charisma, this chap looks like he’s lost his school dinner money.
But didn’t the girl with the black pill box hat and black suit look lovely? didn’t watch it long enough to find out who she was, but he was commenting on her jewellery.

Deedaa Wed 09-Mar-22 22:44:15

I'm not watching it as I enjoyed the original too much, although Tom Hollander is quite a temptation.

Calendargirl Mon 11-Apr-22 06:40:55

I thought the final episode was the best.

Jean’s beautiful coat with the tangerine lining that matched her dress.

Alice shooting those two rotters who were trying to do away with lovely Tom Hollander.

I was pleased Paul looked to survive.

Allsorts Mon 11-Apr-22 07:30:37

I remember Michael Caine in it, so this is a poor substitute, no reflection of the acting ability, just not right.

Visgir1 Mon 11-Apr-22 07:31:51

I really enjoyed it.. The clothes and style so retro.
Not sure what was going on half the time. I don't recall seeing the original, think I might read the book now.

gulligranny Wed 20-Apr-22 16:55:59

I read the book in the 1960s - didn't really understand it. Saw the Michael Caine film which was great. Now watched all episodes of the tv version and I thought it was terrific and explained an awful lot more of the back story.

The cast was excellent - once I stopped trying to compare Joe Cole and Michael Caine. Tom Hollander was brilliant as always, and they got the period details spot on, right down to Jean's kitten heels. Gosh, her clothes were soooo lovely!

I hope they are going to go on and do "Funeral In Berlin" which again I read when it came out and didn't understand!