Codename: Kyril

Edward Woodward is in fine form as the dubious MI6 operative Michael Royston. With a great cast (including the late Denholm Elliot), this is a must see TV film from the late 1980s.

Not too packed with action scenes, but when it comes it is good. There is also a considerable amount of violence in this, making it a film for the faint hearted to avoid. The only slightly questionable thing is that all the Russians in central Moscow seem to be speaking English to one another - that aside, this is definitely worth watching and it is a British spy classic full of espionage and betrayal which sadly seems set to stay in the archives. Catch it if you can!

Ian Charleson is a sympathetic but savvy Russian spy, sent to London at his own peril in order to smoke out a traitor within the KGB ranks. Edward Woodward (famous as "The Equalizer") is the British cat who most wants to catch this mouse. But Kyril is in peril from his own countrymen, too -- from people like Povin (Denholm Elliot), an unassuming but nervous KGB operative who doesn't know exactly what Kyril may be up to.

The cast is absolutely all-star, with the greats you've seen do other fine stuff in British film and television. Besides Charleson, Woodward, and Elliot, lead roles are also filled by Joss Ackland, Richard E. Grant, John McEnery, Peter Vaughn, James Laurenson, and Hugh Fraser.

Recommended for anyone interested in intriguing spy stories, and well-made films. The plot will keep you guessing and figuring things out right up till the very end.

This intriguing short miniseries was released on Region 2 DVD in its full-length 210-minute form in 2010 by Network DVD -- check the internet or Amazon UK. Highly recommended.

Confession. I like anything with Edward Woodward. His is not the central role - that is the remit of the late Ian Charleson and he plays the part well. So many great actors in this but some of them are not at their best. In particular, Richard E Grant is miscast and awful. I can't figure out whether he was still honing his skills or just had a lousy script. Indeed, his role seems pointless. Peter Vaughan is deliciously OTT as a Soviet big wig and Denholm Elliot is, as always, quite marvellous. However, the plot just doesn't seem right - it's not that it doesn't make sense like a John Le Carré script until the end, it just doesn't make sense. As a product of its time (1987, before the collapse of the Soviet Union), it is a curiosity that is overshadowed by Smiley and the Circus, and by Len Deighton's Game Set and Match. It could have been so much better but just enjoy it for the many fine actors, some of whom are no longer with us.