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{{Short description|1963 British film about a Soviet defector}}
{{Short description|1963 British film by Montgomery Tully}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2016}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2016}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2016}}
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| name = Master Spy
| name = Master Spy
| image = "Master_Spy"_(1964).jpg
| image = "Master_Spy"_(1964).jpg
| caption = US release [[film poster]]
| caption = US release [[film poster]]
| director = [[Montgomery Tully]]
| director = [[Montgomery Tully]]
Line 16: Line 15:
| editing = Eric Boyd-Perkins
| editing = Eric Boyd-Perkins
| studio = Eternal Films
| studio = Eternal Films
| distributor = Grand National Pictures
| distributor = Grand National Pictures<br>[[Allied Artists Pictures Corporation)|Allied Artists]] (USA)
| released = August 19, 1963<ref>https://collections-search.bfi.org.uk/web/Details/ChoiceFilmWorks/150043577</ref> (UK)<br>August 19, 1964 (US)
| released = {{film date|1963|8|19||ref1=<ref>https://collections-search.bfi.org.uk/web/Details/ChoiceFilmWorks/150043577 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>|1964|8|19|US}}
| runtime = 70 minutes
| runtime = 70 minutes
| country = United Kingdom
| country = United Kingdom
| language = English
| language = English
}}
}}
'''''Master Spy''''', (also known as '''''Checkmate'''''),<ref>{{cite web |title=Master Spy |url=https://filmography.bfi.org.uk/film/150043577 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912114905/https://filmography.bfi.org.uk/film/150043577 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 September 2021 |website=BFI Filmography}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Master Spy (1963) |url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6be89dda |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504104656/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6be89dda |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 May 2019 |website=BFI}}</ref> is a 1963 British [[spy film]] directed by [[Montgomery Tully]] and starring [[Stephen Murray (actor)|Stephen Murray]], [[June Thorburn]] and [[Alan Wheatley]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/63681 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114092633/http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/63681 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-01-14 |title=BFI &#124; Film & TV Database &#124; MASTER SPY (1962) |publisher=Ftvdb.bfi.org.uk |date=2009-04-16 |accessdate=2014-04-07}}</ref> The film was based on the short story "They Also Serve" by Gerald Anstruther and Paul White.
'''''Master Spy''''' (also known as '''''Checkmate''''')<ref>{{cite web |title=Master Spy |url=https://filmography.bfi.org.uk/film/150043577 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912114905/https://filmography.bfi.org.uk/film/150043577 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 September 2021 |website=BFI Filmography}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Master Spy (1963) |url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6be89dda |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504104656/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6be89dda |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 May 2019 |website=BFI}}</ref> is a 1963 British [[spy film]] directed by [[Montgomery Tully]] and starring [[Stephen Murray (actor)|Stephen Murray]], [[June Thorburn]] and [[Alan Wheatley]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/63681 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114092633/http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/63681 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-01-14 |title=BFI &#124; Film & TV Database &#124; MASTER SPY (1962) |publisher=Ftvdb.bfi.org.uk |date=2009-04-16 |accessdate=2014-04-07}}</ref> The screenplay was by Tully and Maurice J. Wilson based on the short story "They Also Serve" by Gerald Anstruther and Paul White.


The US release film poster identifies the Master Spy as Agent 909.
The US release film poster identifies the Master Spy as Agent 909.


==Plot==
==Plot==
A Russian nuclear scientist, Dr Boris Turganev, defects from an unnamed country to the West. He is employed by the UK Government at a top secret scientific establishment to continue his work on neutron rays. He is introduced to a wealthy local man, Paul Skelton, and they identify themselves to each other as spies. Turganev’s colleagues start to suspect he is stealing secrets for the communists; Turganev passes information to Skelton under the cover of their private games of chess. British Intelligence arrests them, and they are tried and sentenced to long prison terms.
A Russian nuclear scientist, Dr Boris Turganev, defects from an unnamed country to the West. He is employed by the UK Government at a top secret scientific establishment to continue his work on neutron rays. He is introduced to a wealthy local man, Paul Skelton, and they identify themselves to each other as spies. Turganev's colleagues start to suspect he is stealing secrets for the communists; Turganev passes information to Skelton under the cover of their private games of chess. British Intelligence arrests them, and they are tried and sentenced to long prison terms.


Turganev’s colleague is puzzled that the secret document which Turgenev was passing to Skelton had been altered and would not work. In a [[plot twist]], it is revealed that Turganev was working for British Intelligence, who suspected Skelton and wanted to catch his [[spy ring]]. A prison escape is engineered for Turganev so that he can return to his own country and continue his activities for the British with his [[Non-official cover|cover]] intact.
Turganev's colleague is puzzled that the secret document which Turganev was passing to Skelton had been altered and would not work. In a plot twist, it is revealed that Turganev was working for British Intelligence, who suspected Skelton and wanted to catch his [[spy ring]]. A prison escape is engineered for Turganev so that he can return to his own country and continue his activities for the British with his cover intact.


==Cast==
==Cast==
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* [[Basil Dignam]] as Richard Horton
* [[Basil Dignam]] as Richard Horton
* [[Victor Beaumont]] as Petrov
* [[Victor Beaumont]] as Petrov
* [[Hamilton Dyce]] as Airport Controller
* [[Hamilton Dyce]] as airport controller
* Michael Peake as Barnes
* Michael Peake as Barnes
* Dan Cressey as Policeman (uncredited)
* Dan Cressey as policeman (uncredited)
* [[Derek Francis]] as Police Inspector (uncredited)
* [[Derek Francis]] as police Inspector (uncredited)
* John G. Heller as Police Officer (uncredited)
* John G. Heller as police officer (uncredited)
* Aileen Lewis as Woman boarding a plane (uncredited)
* Aileen Lewis as woman boarding a plane (uncredited)
* John H. Watson as Detective at airport (uncredited)<ref>{{Citation |title=Master Spy |url=https://mubi.com/films/master-spy |language=en |access-date=2022-03-07}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Master Spy (1963) |url=https://www.filmaffinity.com/us/film453945.html |language=en |access-date=2022-03-07}}</ref>
* John H. Watson as detective at airport (uncredited)<ref>{{Citation |title=Master Spy |url=https://mubi.com/films/master-spy |language=en |access-date=2022-03-07}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Master Spy (1963) |url=https://www.filmaffinity.com/us/film453945.html |language=en |access-date=2022-03-07}}</ref>


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
''[[The Monthly Film Bulletin]]'' wrote: "Placid and plodding, this spy story is distinguished only by a few nice touches of characterisation."<ref>{{Cite journal |date=1 January 1963 |title=Master Spy |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1305822565 |journal=[[The Monthly Film Bulletin]] |volume=30 |issue=348 |pages=101 |url-access=subscription |via=ProQuest}}</ref>
⚫
*''[[The New York Times]]'' called the film, "a TEPID, square-cut espionage drama."<ref>{{cite web|author=Howard Thompson |url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9501E3DD173DE13ABC4851DFBE66838F679EDE |title=Movie Review - Master Spy - Master Spy' at Local Theaters |work=NYTimes.com |date=1964-08-20 |accessdate=2014-04-07}}</ref>

⚫
*[[AllMovie]] wrote, "While only 71 minutes, Master Spy has enough plot twists for a library-full of [[Ian Fleming|Fleming]] and [[John le Carré|LeCarre]]."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmovie.com/movie/master-spy-v101875 |title=Master Spy (1964) - Trailers, Reviews, Synopsis, Showtimes and Cast |publisher=AllMovie |date= |accessdate=2014-04-07}}</ref>
⚫
''[[The New York Times]]'' called the film "a TEPID, square-cut espionage drama."<ref>{{cite web|author=Howard Thompson |url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9501E3DD173DE13ABC4851DFBE66838F679EDE |title=Movie Review - Master Spy - Master Spy' at Local Theaters |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=1964-08-20 |accessdate=2014-04-07}}</ref>

''The [[Radio Times]] Guide to Films'' gave the film 1/5 stars, writing: "There isn't an atom of suspense in Montgomery Tully's tepid thriller about spying scientists. Indeed, the most exciting moments are the games of chess during which defector Stephen Murray passes vital secrets to communist squire, Alan Wheatley. There's a valiant attempt to put a sting in the tail, but only lab assistant June Thorburn fails to see through the slenderest web of deception. "<ref>{{Cite book |title=Radio Times Guide to Films |publisher=[[Immediate Media Company]] |year=2017 |isbn=9780992936440 |edition=18th |location=London |pages=597}}</ref>

⚫
[[AllMovie]] wrote, "While only 71 minutes, Master Spy has enough plot twists for a library-full of [[Ian Fleming|Fleming]] and [[John le Carré|LeCarre]]."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmovie.com/movie/master-spy-v101875 |title=Master Spy (1964) - Trailers, Reviews, Synopsis, Showtimes and Cast |publisher=AllMovie |date= |accessdate=2014-04-07}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:1960s English-language films]]
[[Category:1960s English-language films]]
[[Category:1960s British films]]
[[Category:1960s British films]]
[[Category:Allied Artists films]]




Latest revision as of 10:56, 16 October 2024

Master Spy
US release film poster
Directed byMontgomery Tully
Screenplay byMaurice J. Wilson
Montgomery Tully
Based onThey Also Serve
by Gerald Anstruther and Paul White
Produced byMaurice J. Wilson
StarringStephen Murray
June Thorburn
Alan Wheatley
John Carson
CinematographyGeoffrey Faithfull
Edited byEric Boyd-Perkins
Music byKen Thorne
Production
company
Eternal Films
Distributed byGrand National Pictures
Allied Artists (USA)
Release dates
  • August 19, 1963 (1963-08-19)[1]
  • August 19, 1964 (1964-08-19) (US)
Running time
70 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish

Master Spy (also known as Checkmate)[2][3] is a 1963 British spy film directed by Montgomery Tully and starring Stephen Murray, June Thorburn and Alan Wheatley.[4] The screenplay was by Tully and Maurice J. Wilson based on the short story "They Also Serve" by Gerald Anstruther and Paul White.

The US release film poster identifies the Master Spy as Agent 909.

Plot

[edit]

A Russian nuclear scientist, Dr Boris Turganev, defects from an unnamed country to the West. He is employed by the UK Government at a top secret scientific establishment to continue his work on neutron rays. He is introduced to a wealthy local man, Paul Skelton, and they identify themselves to each other as spies. Turganev's colleagues start to suspect he is stealing secrets for the communists; Turganev passes information to Skelton under the cover of their private games of chess. British Intelligence arrests them, and they are tried and sentenced to long prison terms.

Turganev's colleague is puzzled that the secret document which Turganev was passing to Skelton had been altered and would not work. In a plot twist, it is revealed that Turganev was working for British Intelligence, who suspected Skelton and wanted to catch his spy ring. A prison escape is engineered for Turganev so that he can return to his own country and continue his activities for the British with his cover intact.

Cast

[edit]

Critical reception

[edit]

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Placid and plodding, this spy story is distinguished only by a few nice touches of characterisation."[7]

The New York Times called the film "a TEPID, square-cut espionage drama."[8]

The Radio Times Guide to Films gave the film 1/5 stars, writing: "There isn't an atom of suspense in Montgomery Tully's tepid thriller about spying scientists. Indeed, the most exciting moments are the games of chess during which defector Stephen Murray passes vital secrets to communist squire, Alan Wheatley. There's a valiant attempt to put a sting in the tail, but only lab assistant June Thorburn fails to see through the slenderest web of deception. "[9]

AllMovie wrote, "While only 71 minutes, Master Spy has enough plot twists for a library-full of Fleming and LeCarre."[10]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ https://collections-search.bfi.org.uk/web/Details/ChoiceFilmWorks/150043577 [bare URL]
  2. ^ "Master Spy". BFI Filmography. Archived from the original on 12 September 2021.
  3. ^ "Master Spy (1963)". BFI. Archived from the original on 4 May 2019.
  4. ^ "BFI | Film & TV Database | MASTER SPY (1962)". Ftvdb.bfi.org.uk. 16 April 2009. Archived from the original on 14 January 2009. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  5. ^ Master Spy, retrieved 7 March 2022
  6. ^ Master Spy (1963), retrieved 7 March 2022
  7. ^ "Master Spy". The Monthly Film Bulletin. 30 (348): 101. 1 January 1963 – via ProQuest.
  8. ^ Howard Thompson (20 August 1964). "Movie Review - Master Spy - Master Spy' at Local Theaters". The New York Times. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
  9. ^ Radio Times Guide to Films (18th ed.). London: Immediate Media Company. 2017. p. 597. ISBN 9780992936440.
  10. ^ "Master Spy (1964) - Trailers, Reviews, Synopsis, Showtimes and Cast". AllMovie. Retrieved 7 April 2014.
[edit]


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