My Movie Monday (Wednesday?)
The Ipcress File ------ 1965
(from my top 101-200 favorite films)
When first released a half century ago, this film was promoted as the answer to James Bond. Many critics liked it but the swelling number of Bond fans rejected it because of its cynical characteristics and over the top cinematography. In 1965 I loved the James Bond films but also highly enjoyed "The Ipcress File". As the decades wore on and Bond became an entrenched and seemingly never ending parade of adaptations and remakes I started to feel that "The Ipcress File" gained strength in its outsider's view of the world of spying.
There were three Harry Palmer (the Michael Caine "spy" character) movies filmed. All starred Michael Caine. "The Ipcress file" was the first, then came "Funeral in Berlin"(1966) followed by "The Billion Dollar Brain"(1967).
As is usual with my enjoyment of movies, the music plays a major role. John Barry composed the score for "The Ipcress File". John Barry? Didn't he compose the music for some of the early James Bond films? Yes! The producers felt his score would both help "The Ipcress File" and tie it to the James Bond films which were then bursting with popularity. I bought the vinyl soundtrack of "The Ipcress File" and still listen to it. It produces a certain mood or feeling that enhances the action of this gritty film.
Michael Caine's portrayal of Harry Palmer, to me is priceless! He is a self serving rebel roped into the British secret service, not of his own accord. He is cynical and irreverent. He is defiant and works out-of-the-box on a daily basis. He wears glasses and loves cooking. Truly a unique character!
The plot is intricate and the camerawork and editing very stylish. But I am enthralled today as much as I was in 1965 by the telling of this spy tale of the 1960s. I find "The Ipcress File" a joy to drink in!
Cast:
Michael Caine ------ Harry Palmer
Nigel Green ------ Dalby
Guy Doleman ------ Ross
Sue Lloyd ------ Jean
Gordon Jackson ------ Carswell
Aibrey Richards ------ Radcliffe
Charles Kuenneth MPHS Jan 66
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