The Ipcress File

During the Cold War, ex-smuggler Harry Palmer is enrolled as a reluctant but talented spy. Sent to Berlin, Harry embarks on a dangerous mission and his survival will depend on his own wits and the interventions of Maddox, a CIA man who may not be what he seems.

A bomb explodes underneath Jean's car and only Harry's quick-thinking saves their lives. Harry spots a suspicious stranger tailing them who is identified as Randall, a former agent now working for anyone who will pay him. A chance arrest of one of Dawson's colleagues hands Harry and Jean a lead, but Randall seems to be always one step ahead of them.

Harry and Jean arrive in Beirut in hot pursuit of Randall, who is holding Professor Dawson while awaiting his paymasters' instructions. Meanwhile, Dalby holds a secret rendezvous with Stok, a Russian colonel. Stok has an offer: a dissident scientist to be exchanged for access to nuclear secrets. Harry and Jean are tipped off about Dawson's movements and the team are armed and ready to intercept, but an unexpected intervention sees their operation descend into chaos.

Dalby challenges General Cathcart, suspecting American involvement in Dawson's abduction. Harry and Jean head to the Pacific atoll where the neutron bomb is to be tested. With the detonation fast approaching, Harry discovers that Karen Newton, an American psychiatrist, has been involved in controlling the professor through a process known by the mysterious acronym, IPCRESS.

General Cathcart is dismayed by the cancellation of the neutron bomb project. Meanwhile, Harry is handed over to the Chinese military where he is subjected to a bewildering regime of mental torture. Dalby's rekindled love for Dr Lavotchkin takes its toll on his judgement at work and his composure at home where he can no longer bear to live in a joyless marriage. Harry realises his only option is a desperate bid to escape from the Chinese.

Jean pursues her research into Maddox's history of failed actions against Castro. Dalby learns that his beloved organisation it to be axed. Meanwhile, Harry is tormented by what has been planted in his mind. His mission reaches its bloody climax and the stability of the free world can only be saved by his integrity and strength of character.