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It has had a long run in San Francisco, despite lack of much publicity by the distributor, and can still be seen there at the Four Star Theater on Clement Street (415-666-3488). I will see it again for many reasons - humor, historical relevance, fine musical score, and excellent acting/cinematography. The plot shows accurately how many Germans stood up to the Nazi terror as well as they could, and the ending was somber but heart-warming. I'm not surprised that the word-of-mouth recommendations from viewers carried this film to such a long run.

The plot was probably too complicated for most film critics and caused a short theatre run in most cities, but favorable word-of-mouth from videotape viewers continues to spread. I was stunned by the beauty and imagination of the cinematography and musical score. The acting was sensitive and intelligent, particularly by the sensual Michiko Hata as lead actress. More became clear about the nuances of the story during my second and third viewings. I hope that "Team Rampo" and/or others try to make more bold films like this !!!

I saw it this once on PBS Television and believe that this brilliant BBC film should be released on videotape !! Why does "Smiley's People" (based on a novel by John LeCarre like his others - "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy", "Spy Who Came In From The Cold", and "Russia House") stay on the shelf ? Perhaps this the plot is too complicated for most film distributors. In any case, Alex Guinness is totally convincing as George Smiley, a decent and intelligent man who decides, at last, to act against evil. What happens is always exciting and, above all, makes us think. This is a terrific story !!