The Ipcress File

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The Ipcress File

1965

1h 49m

Action

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

32 Reviews

85%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Tasked with investigating the kidnappings and brainwashed reappearances of top scientists, including Dr. Radcliffe (Aubrey Richards), the insubordinate British spy Harry Palmer (Michael Caine) navigates his way through criminals, secret agents, and his superiors (Nigel Green, Guy Doleman). While attempting to bring in the suspect Bluejay (Frank Gatliff), Palmer discovers a mysterious audiotape labeled IPCRESS, an inconspicuous, but ominous, piece of evidence.

Critics Consensus

Michael Caine's coolly restrained performance and a keenly irreverent attitude make The Ipcress Files a supremely entertaining espionage thriller.

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Andrew Sarris

Village Voice

The Ipcress File was reasonably entertaining while I was watching it, but after it was over I felt I'd been had.

Jul 27, 2021

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Geoffrey Nowell-Smith

Sight & Sound

[Sidney] Furie is a sensitive director and the film is not a total sell-out.

Mar 31, 2020

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Kate Muir

The Times (UK)

Michael Caine is the epitome of Sixties cool in his first outing as the secret agent Harry Palmer.

Rated: 5/5

Sep 24, 2015

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Adrian Turner

Radio Times

It's cunning, calculated and still works, thanks to some droll humour, John Barry's marvellously twangy score, Sidney J Furie's energetic direction and spot-on performances by Guy Doleman and Nigel Green as bowler-hatted spooks.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 8, 2024

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

James Bond popularized the spy flick in the 1960s, but The Ipcress File is one film that goes slightly against the grain.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 6, 2020

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Described as a sexpionage, though completely devoid of onscreen sex, it's comparable to a James Bond picture.

Rated: 8/10

Aug 24, 2020

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Bill B

Watched it again after many years. Still immensely enjoyable espionage - even though I mostly remembered the ending.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/25/25

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Alec C

In this espionage thriller, no one can be relied upon, not even your surperiors! Harry Palmer is tasked with investigating the brainwashing of scientists with his only clue being the mysterious "IPCRESS" file that points to the heart of the conspiracy. Michal Caine adds his signature charm to this iconic thriller with plenty of twists and turns, leaving us unsure of who to trust!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/16/24

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CodyZamboni

Movie is engaging all the way, despite some convoluted plotting. Anchored by Michael Caine's performance as the empathetic smart ass spy, Harry Palmer, as he searches for a missing scientist and uncovers alot more than he intended.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

10/14/23

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Audience Member

Felt slow and noir like but had its moments in this Bond like but Bond lite tale of a British secret agent. Caine is good.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

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Audience Member

Stylish and engaging spy thriller, in many ways the anti-Bond. Caine's performance is fantastic. It's in danger of getting a little silly towards the end but manages to hold it together convincingly enough.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

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Audience Member

Brilliant anti hero , poor mans Bond, good and gritty, some excellent set pieces, cracking JB score, MC at his best, especially learning from Deighton for his cooking scene ( a man cooking ???), proper job spy thriller, so much to like and great shots, in my top 5.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

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Sidney J. Furie

Director

Michael Caine

Harry Palmer

Nigel Green

Dalby

Guy Doleman

Ross

Sue Lloyd

Jean

Gordon Jackson

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Synopsis

Tasked with investigating the kidnappings and brainwashed reappearances of top scientists, including Dr. Radcliffe (Aubrey Richards), the insubordinate British spy Harry Palmer (Michael Caine) navigates his way through criminals, secret agents, and his superiors (Nigel Green, Guy Doleman). While attempting to bring in the suspect Bluejay (Frank Gatliff), Palmer discovers a mysterious audiotape labeled IPCRESS, an inconspicuous, but ominous, piece of evidence.

Director: Sidney J. Furie
Producer: Harry Saltzman
Screenwriter: W.H. Canaway, James Doran, Len Deighton
Production Co: Rank Organization
Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 2, 1965, Original
Runtime: 1h 49m