I have just reviewed the recent TV series having just re-read the book after my first time over 50 years ago. I bought it just after seeing the film as a 15 year old schoolboy.
I loved the film, still do despite it being barely anything resembling the book. I don't really care, the film is a work of art all on it's own. The name of Harry Palmer, invented for the film as the protagonist is only ever referred to as 'Harry' just once in the book.
He is also not a convicted black marketeer. A great deal of the plot of the book isn't covered, like the bomb test especially. At least they get the traitor right in the film which they don't in the TV show.
None of that matters, I was entertained by both and have the film on DVD to watch over and over again. Nice pre Hudson role for Gordon Jackson.
I loved the film, still do despite it being barely anything resembling the book. I don't really care, the film is a work of art all on it's own. The name of Harry Palmer, invented for the film as the protagonist is only ever referred to as 'Harry' just once in the book.
He is also not a convicted black marketeer. A great deal of the plot of the book isn't covered, like the bomb test especially. At least they get the traitor right in the film which they don't in the TV show.
None of that matters, I was entertained by both and have the film on DVD to watch over and over again. Nice pre Hudson role for Gordon Jackson.