The second screen adventure of cockney spy Harry Palmer.

Michael Caine again brings a grudging, rebellious charm to the character, but Evan Jones' screenplay lacks the wealth of finely-observed detail that made his first appearance (in The Ipcress File) such a welcome antithesis from super-human Bondage.

The Russian intelligence officer in charge of the Berlin Wall security (Oscar Homolka in fine, spitting form) makes it known that he is planning to defect.

Palmer's assignment is warily to check the authenticity of the rumour. - Hugh Burden effortlessly steals the acting honours as Hallam of the Foreign office.