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Smiley's People

Called out of retirement to settle the affairs of a friend, George Smiley (Sir Alec Guinness) finds his old organization, the Circus, so overwhelmed by political considerations that it doesn't want to know what happened. He begins to follow up the clues of his friends past days, discovering that the clues lead to a high person in the Russian Secret Service, and a secret important enough to kill for. Smiley continues to put together the pieces a step ahead or a step behind the Russian killers.

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Cast & Crew See All

Alec Guinness
George Smiley
Eileen Atkins
Madame Ostrakova
Bill Paterson
Lauder Strickland

Season 1 Episode Guide See All

Episode 1

A Mother's Assistance

60 mins

In Paris, a Russian émigré is approached by a ginger-haired Russian official and told that her daughter Alexandra may be allowed to join her in the West. Madame Ostrakova had been given permission to join her husband who had defected to the West but at a great cost: she was forced to leave her infant daughter behind. She follows instructions and applies for a visa for her daughter at the Russian Embassy. When weeks go by and she hears nothing, she writes to a former Soviet General, Vladimir, who now lives in London. He realizes something important in what she says and contacts the Circus, headquarters of the British Secret Service. When he is found dead on Hampstead Heath, George Smiley is called out of retirement to tie up any loose ends and ensure the old General's death doesn't raise any of his former connections to the Service.

Where to Watch

Featured Video

Smiley's People: Intro
Smiley's People: Intro
3:06

3:06 Smiley's People: Intro

Awards

  • 1983 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Drama Series/Serial - nominated
  • 1983 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Actor - winner
  • 1983 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Actress - winner
  • 1983 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Design - nominated

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