Ring of Spies
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Founder | Robert Tronson (director) |
| Products | Spy film |
Ring of Spies, alternatively titled Ring of Treason, is a 1964 British spy film helmed by director Robert Tronson and featuring performances from Bernard Lee, William Sylvester, and Margaret Tyzack. The screenplay, crafted by Peter Barnes and Frank Launder, draws inspiration from the true story of the Portland spy ring, an espionage case that intensified the "Reds under the bed" paranoia prevalent in Britain during the early 1960s.
Plot
After falling into disgrace due to alcoholism while serving as an embassy attaché in Warsaw, Harry Houghton is unexpectedly assigned to the secretive Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment at Portland, a critical testing site for the Royal Navy. There, he becomes compromised by Soviet intelligence agents who coerce him into selling confidential documents. Houghton then enlists fellow clerk Ethel "Bunty" Gee, who has access to even more sensitive information. Together, under the supervision of their Soviet handler Alex, they provide classified intelligence to the Soviets in exchange for money.
Authorities begin to suspect Houghton due to his extravagant expenditures, and routine surveillance eventually uncovers his links to Soviet operatives. This investigation culminates in the arrest and prosecution of Houghton, Gee, their handler Alex, and couriers Peter and Helen Kroger at the Old Bailey. The film begins with a prologue outlining espionage history and concludes with an epilogue cautioning audiences about ongoing spy threats, thereby heightening its dramatic impact.
Cast
- Bernard Lee as Henry Houghton
- William Sylvester as Gordon Lonsdale
- Margaret Tyzack as Elizabeth Gee
- David Kossoff as Peter Kroger
- Nancy Nevinson as Helen Kroger
- Thorley Walters as Cmdr. Winters
- Philip Latham as Captain Ray
- Cyril Chamberlain as Anderson
- Justine Lord as Christina
- Patrick Barr as Captain Warner
- Derek Francis as Chief Supt. Croft
- Paul Eddington as Partygoer
- Gillian Lewis as Marjorie Shaw
- Richard Marner as Colonel Monat
- Hector Ross as Supt. Woods
- André Mikhelson as Russian Embassy official
- Garry Marsh as 1st member at Lord's
- Basil Dignam as 2nd member at Lord's
- Geoffrey Palmer as Police Officer
- Brian Nissen as Portland official
- Edwin Apps as Blake
- Fred Griffiths as news vendor
- Bryan Pringle as stakeout P.C.
- Anita West as Tilly
Production
The movie was shot at both Shepperton Studios and various London locations, including places connected to the actual espionage events. Norman Arnold was responsible for the film’s set design.
Release
Although completed soon after the 1961 court case, its distribution was postponed because of legal apprehensions. Sidney Gilliat remarked that concerns over potential legal action contributed to its limited initial release. The film saw a reissue in 1970 following the release of Harry Houghton and Ethel Gee from incarceration.
Box office
Upon its first release, the film did not achieve commercial success.
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin characterized the film as a straightforward narrative akin to a newspaper serial, with suspense intensifying primarily toward the conclusion. Attention was drawn to the unusual yet familiar aspects, particularly in moments such as Lonsdale’s entrance and the subsequent apprehension. The movie ends by delivering a warning regarding the dangers of espionage.
Awarding it 2.5 out of 5 stars, TV Guide emphasized the film’s reliance on documented facts and incorporation of genuine spy footage to enhance realism, while also noting some clever directorial nuances by Tronson.
David Parkinson from the Radio Times assigned a rating of 3 out of 5 stars, commenting that the docudrama approach somewhat diminished the element of suspense. He commended Frank Launder and co-writer Peter Barnes for their skillful recounting of the Portland spy ring episode, marking a departure from Launder’s typical collaborations with Sidney Gilliat.