Welcome to the second episode of Section F – our Spy Movie track on the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Our handpicked hosts and guests discuss their favorite spy movies both the classics and the hidden gems of spy films. Today Section F delve into the movie adaptation of Len Deighton's Funeral in Berlin, starring Michael Caine as the iconic Harry Palmer.
Unlike the suave and debonair James Bond, Harry Palmer brings a gritty, realistic edge to the spy genre, challenging traditional spy representations with his working class cunning and street smarts.
Spybrary's Section F dissect Palmer's intricate world of divided loyalties set against the vivid backdrop of 1960s Berlin, discussing the film's complex plot, the innovative use of the Technoscope filming technique, and the nuanced portrayal of characters who navigate the murky waters of Cold War espionage.
Join us as we explore how “Funeral in Berlin” not only captured the essence of its era but also set new standards in spy filmmaking. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the Harry Palmer series, this episode delivers deep insights and lively discussions.
Meet Your Section F – Spy Film Hosts.
Jonathan Melville
Michael Huie
Eric Newsom
Steve Lichtman
Producer: Shane Whaley
You can also watch this Funeral In Berlin film review discussion on YouTube, and as always, episodes can be listened to on all good podcast apps.
Funeral in Berlin is a 1966 British spy film directed by Guy Hamilton and based on the 1964 novel of the same name by Len Deighton. It is the second of three 1960s films starring Michael Caine as the character Harry Palmer that followed the characters from the initial film, The Ipcress File (1965). The third film was Billion Dollar Brain (1967)
That and more in this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast.
More About Funeral in Berlin
Funeral in Berlin is a 1966 British spy film directed by Guy Hamilton and based on the 1964 novel of the same name by Len Deighton. It is the second of three 1960s films starring Michael Caine as the character Harry Palmer that followed the characters from the initial film, The Ipcress File (1965). The third film was Billion Dollar Brain (1967)
British secret agent Harry Palmer is sent to Berlin by his superior Colonel Ross to arrange the defection of Colonel Stok, a prominent Soviet intelligence officer. Palmer is sceptical but links up with Johnny Vulkan, an old German friend and former criminal associate, who now runs the Berlin station for British intelligence.
Palmer makes a rendezvous with Stok in the Soviet zone of the divided city, finding him eccentric and likeable. Stok asks for the defection to be managed by Otto Kreutzmann, a West German criminal who has organised a number of recent escapes. When Palmer returns to the western sector he meets Samantha Steel, a model. He spends the night with her, but is suspicious of her forward manner. The next day he has his police contacts establish her identity and arranges for a criminal to burgle her apartment, where several different false passports are discovered….
Looking for more spy movie content then check out Section F's treatment of The Third Man starring Orson Welles.
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