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The Ipcress File

Play trailer Poster for The Ipcress File Released Aug 2, 1965 1h 49m Action Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 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.
The Ipcress File

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review Geoffrey Nowell-Smith Sight & Sound [Sidney] Furie is a sensitive director and the film is not a total sell-out. Mar 31, 2020 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Read all reviews
The Ipcress File

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Cast & Crew

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Sidney J. Furie

Director

Michael Caine

Harry Palmer

Nigel Green

Dalby

Guy Doleman

Ross

Sue Lloyd

Jean

Gordon Jackson

Carswell

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The Ipcress File

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Movie Info

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