Reilly Ace Of Spies (TV Mini-series)

UK 1983, 720 minutes
Dir. Martin Campbell, Jim Goddard
Rating: [M] Contains medium level violence
Genres: Television, Suspense/Crime, Drama / Spy

Topics: Period - 1900s.

Feat. Sam Neill, Peter Egan, Ian Charleson, Leo McKern, David Suchet, Joanne Whalley

Aroview: Quintessential 1980s mini-series follows the adventures of a real life British superspy Sidney Reilly in the turbulent Russia, Europe and Asia of the early 20th century.

Notable for the star-making performance of Sam Neill in the lead, this moves between political, economic and military intrigues in the powerful corridors and slums of the world. The drama is also anchored by the enduring enigma of Reilly's motives and invention of his own identity, from a murky past as an obscure Russian Jew. Apparently, Ian Fleming acknowledged that he based the character of 'James Bond' upon Sidney Reilly.

All 12 episodes over 6 discs. Episodes: An Affair with a Married Woman, Prelude to War, The Visiting Fireman, Anna, Dreadnoughts and Crosses 1, Dreadnoughts and Doublecrosses 2, Gambit, Endgame, After Moscow, The Trust, The Last Journey, Shutdown