Kim Philby, Guy Burgess, Anthony Blunt and Donald Maclean, four names that have become a part of British history, but for generally all the wrong reasons. Any student of British political history will no doubt know the names, as will many others with even a passing interest in British politics or the intelligence organisations such as MI5 or the Secret Intelligence Service, but how many know the full story?
The four men first met while at Cambridge, hence the title Cambridge Spies. Openly Communist, but all very intelligent and gifted, the four were seduced by Moscow, or more specifically the KGB, to work for them trading secrets for the chance to really do something of significance; ridding Europe of the menace of Fascism.
All four came from good families, naturally, and it was this that allowed them to carry out all manner of intelligence work with little or no suspicion throughout most of their 'careers'. Each landed positions of influence in their various careers at the BBC, MI5, the SIS, military service, Palace staff, Consulate jobs and positions that allowed them access to cracking 'Enigma' codes and the development of the atom bomb. The KGB were always appreciative of the sensitive information that found its way to them.
The four performed their KGB duties with mostly utmost diligence and care, even though Burgess was known to be spontaneous, reckless, unpredictable and a risk-taker, and Maclean tended to boast he was a Soviet agent when drunk. Burgess had a fondness for the bottle and tasty young men, and more than once these desires placed him in a very tricky spot, but he always managed to lie and bluff his way through almost anything. In fact, all four were great liars and deceivers, even as their worlds began to close in on them.
As the local intelligence agencies slowly tracked down the 'moles', Burgess and Maclean fled to the Soviet Union. Although this is where the four-part series ends, it was not the end of the story for Philby or Blunt. Philby confessed not long after and also defected to the Soviet Union, but Blunt, the respected art historian and distant relative of Queen Elizabeth II, managed to hide his secret (though not his homosexuality) until 1979, when Margaret Thatcher denounced him in Parliament and had his knighthood revoked. Blunt was eventually pardoned in exchange for more information.
While all four died in rather sad circumstances at different times, it's safe to say that none really led happy lives. They were all convinced that what they were doing was right for Britain and the world, destroying the fascists. Their personal lives were almost always a distant second to the passing of information, and each was aware that they really had nowhere to go once they started on their paths.
This four one-hour part series is excellent viewing. It takes a while for the characters to settle and for the story to unfold, but when it does it moves along nicely, with more than one suspenseful twist and unexpected turn. It is a very neutral portrayal of the four, and although they are undoubtedly traitors to their country, it is presented in a fairly balanced light.
It's also refreshing to see a series that doesn't shirk away from the fact that Burgess and Blunt were openly and actively homosexual, which is important in the context of the times and their positions. It also acknowledges that Maclean and Philby were both in love with the same woman, Maclean's American wife, Melinda. The brotherly affection shared by all four is also well portrayed.
The production values, as is typical of the BBC, are very high, and the talented cast has been well chosen. The four leads do a wonderful job, and the costuming and set design is of a high standard. This series is one I can happily recommend and you will not need to be a historian or political observer to enjoy it.
Another winning DVD from the BBC this one. It is in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and is 16:9 enhanced. The image is as sharp as any recent made-for-television series. Colours are generally accurate, with quite some use of muted lighting and more earthy colours in scenes set in the musty and stately sets such as Buckingham Palace and the hallowed halls of Cambridge. Black levels are excellent and there are no problems with shadow detail.
With the four episodes evenly spread across two discs, there are no compression issues, and things such as aliasing, shimmer and edge enhancement are non-existent. Neither are there any marks, flecks or grainy images to spoil the picture, and no disruption from layer changes.
The only option may be English Dolby Digital 2.0, but it's a solid and decent effort. It really makes itself known in the few moments where the score builds as the tension mounts, and this is when the low-frequency sounds come to the fore. There is little else in the way of 'boom' in this refined presentation, but no call for it. All dialogue is crystal clear, though subtitles may be need to be accessed for some of the hushed moments or when jargon makes the odd appearance.
Being mostly a dialogue audio, there is little evidence of separation or panning, but no matter. The score is suitably subtle, the action sequences nicely presented, and there is no problem with synchronisation.
