Spies of Warsaw

It is a mystery to me why this production is not better liked. David Tennant is a great actor and I think he is great in this. I think the plot and production values are fine. The only flaw is that it is a little slow but I think it is worth sticking with it. I wish they would film some of the author's other works,he is a great spy writer.

What a marvellous 2 parter. The acting and settings were very good indeed. The story moved very nicely, building the appropriate tensions throughout. Based on a novel by Alan Furst, of whom I had never heard, it was historically accurate(with the exception of some British beer mugs in Prague). I hope the makers will give us more of the novels in the same format.

The first part was sufficient to make me buy the first of the Night Soldiers novels by Alan Furst. Having already read it, I shall now read the rest of the series, in sequence, so a way to go before I reach Spies of Warsaw.

I was referred to this Series when browsing a list of best British spy series, realising that I have seen a little with David Tennant (whom I like) present and all this has been him being a policeman/detective... So I decided to kill two birds with one stone and delved into the world of frivolous glamour, deception and betrayal in a period when particularly smaller nations in Europe had uncertainty and difficulties in many layers.

Well, the events got going, the depiction seems realistic (several episodes based on real events), the cast includes pleasant British character actors (Tennant, Lesser, Haddington) and some also good Polish actors -- so I really can´t say that Spies of Warsaw is protracted or dull. True, I had-have not read the book, but in thrillers, for the sake of delight, I prefer twists and solutions unknown beforehand - it is yet no Hamlet or similar, after all...

Additional plus for the depiction of an era rather unknown today - Poland in the late 1930ies, and with both Warsaw and Berlin being splendid cities with fine architecture destroyed by subsequent war.

The fascinating story of the build up to The Second World War, French spy, Mercier is assigned to Poland, to learn exactly what The Nazis are planning behind the borders. Mercier produces a great deal of evidence proving The Nazis are battle ready, but the powers that be are not convinced, or rather don't wish to be.

Mercier sees what's happening, and what's likely to happen, whilst all around him carry on with everyday life. Tennant impresses throughout, he is wonderful as Mercier, well supported by a great cast, including Anton Lesser, Janet Montgomery and Richard Lintern.

There are many films and dramas which tell the story of The second World War, Spies of Warsaw is a fascinating insight into the unnerving build up to The War.

A terrific espionage drama, which is beautifully made, intriguing and rather captivating. Well worth watching. 9/10

Sorry, but it is the leading man who mainly disappoints. David Tennant is totally miscast and is not helped by a poor script, awash with clichés.

I have been to Warsaw three times and there was more tension in the air during my visits than here with spies all over the place.

It may have worked with a different lead, as Tennant sleepwalks his way through the scenes and physically has an uncanny resemblance to John Laurie when playing the crofter in the original version of the 39 Steps.

When he twitches those eyebrows he also looks like a mad scientist rather than the smooth Frenchman tempting every woman from Paris to Warsaw to jump into bed with him. Add to that a non-existent personality and you are left with a problem.

There is absolutely no chemistry between Tennant and Janet Montgomery who is very unenthusiastic throughout. Some decent efforts by a few of the supporting cast, but poor old Julian Glover was given a bad hand with some awful lines.

And the continual movement from Paris to Warsaw and back again several times over was very confusing

Sadly quite ridiculous.