Absolutetly brilliant. I saw the play when it was first on and now I've seen it for the second time. A reminder of how far television drama has been dumbed down, devoid of ideas. Now simply Americanised series.
For some reason, the scene with Edward Fox in the rowing boat is burned into my memory - I was 9 years old, no wonder the rest of it went over my head! Goodness he was beautiful in 1977.
@@johnathandaviddunster38 Firstly, why the past tense? Edward Fox is very much alive (he's 86). And what evidence do you have he's gay? His two wives and three children suggest otherwise.
Thanks for this I remember watching it in 1977 when it was first screened. I even bought a copy of the Methuen edition. Funny and chilling at the same time Elliot and Fox are excellent. Recommended
Pow, all of a sudden it hit me. The young private is played by Alun Armstrong, who first came to my attention on TV's New Tricks. Which reminds me, RIP Dennis Waterman.
Thank you for this first-rate film. Denholm Elliott gave a fine performance, indeed his finest performance for this aged viewer. David Mercer's work reminds me of all there is to loathe about communism. Whither the West's young, who have yet to see it up close and impersonal.
Tell me about it. There was one young man on Twitter (or "X" as it is now called) quoting Stalin, unironically, on how to root out class enemies and even go after their families if necessary. The most depressing thing was that his post had over 10k likes.
How do Guards officers look and behave? As I see it, "Nikolai" looks rather sinister, and his behaviour is also somewhat sinister, therefore he must be a Red Commissar.
Edward Fox was his usual stiff and very plummy self, even as a Red Army NKVD officer in 1945! I actually think his best performance (i.e., least stiff) was in another TV drama, called "Quartermaine's Terms".
Absolutetly brilliant. I saw the play when it was first on and now I've seen it for the second time. A reminder of how far television drama has been dumbed down, devoid of ideas. Now simply Americanised series.
Becoming a ratcatcher was a good way to avoid becoming a mouse. A rather unexpected role for Fox.
For some reason, the scene with Edward Fox in the rowing boat is burned into my memory - I was 9 years old, no wonder the rest of it went over my head! Goodness he was beautiful in 1977.
Yes, I agree - best cheekbones in the British Empire!
Arresting, eye-catching, but not precisely "beautiful".
Handsome all his life. Quite a gentleman I imagine.
Pity for you he was gay ...
@@johnathandaviddunster38 Firstly, why the past tense? Edward Fox is very much alive (he's 86). And what evidence do you have he's gay? His two wives and three children suggest otherwise.
Thanks for this I remember watching it in 1977 when it was first screened. I even bought a copy of the Methuen edition. Funny and chilling at the same time Elliot and Fox are excellent. Recommended
Pow, all of a sudden it hit me. The young private is played by Alun Armstrong, who first came to my attention on TV's New Tricks. Which reminds me, RIP Dennis Waterman.
Thank you for this first-rate film. Denholm Elliott gave a fine performance, indeed his finest performance for this aged viewer. David Mercer's work reminds me of all there is to loathe about communism. Whither the West's young, who have yet to see it up close and impersonal.
Tell me about it. There was one young man on Twitter (or "X" as it is now called) quoting Stalin, unironically, on how to root out class enemies and even go after their families if necessary. The most depressing thing was that his post had over 10k likes.
Superb watch!
Happy birthday Edward Fox!
Thanks for uploading!
Fox still manages to look and behave like a Guards Officer even when acting as a Red Army Commissar.
How do Guards officers look and behave? As I see it, "Nikolai" looks rather sinister, and his behaviour is also somewhat sinister, therefore he must be a Red Commissar.
It is, it's Alan Armstrong!
With a u I think.
Edward Fox was his usual stiff and very plummy self, even as a Red Army NKVD officer in 1945! I actually think his best performance (i.e., least stiff) was in another TV drama, called "Quartermaine's Terms".
Denholm Elliot manages to play himself.
I'll take that; he is mesmerising.