this be without doubt my favourite le carre novel and it be transform to the silver screen with all the love and care one could wish for . i read a review on this site that seem to find the character loathsome but i believe this miss the point . all le carre story be essentially love story and this be no exception . it be an accurate reflection of the period in which it be set . betrayal be the key by everybody for the good of nobody . pym upbringing be so close to my own that i find it chill watch . peter egan be in his fine role and the late lamented ray mcanally be unbelievably good . even the small role play by such a andy de la tour and tim healy and jack elli be spot on . this cast be a theatre impresario dream . the story should not be spoil by ill inform description but suffice it to say it relate to a young man slow but inexorable destruction and descent into espionage and treason . all my sympathy lie with magnus pym and his sole ( non sexual ) love for poppy ( rüdiger weigang as wonderful a always . his only true friendship but also by definition another in the long line of betrayal . outstanding . rent it and buy it . love it .