before he started doing "genial" and reminds us that his previous part was in the heavyweight "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf". Try as he might though, he can't quite carry the lead here, lacking as he does the magnetism of Connery or the cynicism of Caine. The brawny headmistress points Quiller in the direction of Inge (Senta Berger), who happens to be the only English-speaking teacher at the school. He calls Inge and arranges to meet. Read more Hengel gives Quiller the few items found on Jones: a bowling alley ticket, a swimming pool ticket and a newspaper article about a Nazi war criminal found teaching at a school. Theres a humanity to Quiller that is unique in this type of action spy thriller. The headmistress introduces him to a teacher who speaks English, Inge Lindt. The book itself sets a standard for the psychological spy thriller as an agent (code-named Quiller) plays a suspense-filled cat-and-mouse game with the head of a neo-Nazi group in post-war Berlin. For example operatives are referred to as ferrets, and thats what they are. I read it in two evenings. What will Quiller do? In this first book in the QUILLER series, undercover agent Quiller is asked to take the place of a fellow spy who has recently been murdered in Berlin, in identifying the headquarters of an underground but powerful Nazi organization, Phnix, twenty years . The classic tale of espionage that started it all! After they have sex, she unexpectedly reveals that a friend was formerly involved with neo-Nazis and might know the location of Phoenix's HQ. The Quiller Memorandum came near the peak of the craze for spy movies in the Sixties, but its dry, oddly sardonic tone sets it apart from both the James Bond-type sex-and-gadget thrillers and the more somber, "adult" spy dramas such as Martin Ritt's The Spy Who Came In from the Cold (1965). NR. Our hero delivers a running dialogue with his own unconscious mind, assessing the threats, his potential responses, his plans. The Quiller Memorandum is a 1966 British neo noir eurospy film filmed in Deluxe Color and Panavision, adapted from the 1965 spy novel The Berlin Memorandum, by Elleston Trevor under the name "Adam Hall", screenplay by Harold Pinter, directed by Michael Anderson, featuring George Segal, Alec Guinness, Max von Sydow and Senta Berger. Or was she simply a lonely Samaritan who altruistically beds the socially awkward American spy to help prevent a Fourth Reich? He is shielded behind the building when the bomb explodes. He believes this is explained early years like a priest, ending in this page numbers were both the end, bibi andersson and actor. From that point of view, the film should be seen by social, architectural, and urban landscape historians. His dry but quick Yiddish humor shines through on many occasions, providing diversions that masquerade his underlying desire to expose the antagonists' machinations. I read the whole Quiller series when I was younger, and loved it. 15 years after the end of WW II. The film ends with Quiller suspecting that Inge is more than an ordinary schoolteacher. Nobel prizes notwithstanding I think Harold Pinter's screenplay for this movie is pretty lame, or maybe it's the director's fault. It was written by Harold Pinter, but despite his talent for writing plays, he certainly had no cinematic sense whatever. And will the world see a return of Nazi power? The third to try is Quiller, an unassuming man, who knows he's being put into a deadly game. Segal is a very young man in this, with that flippant, relaxed quality that made him so popular. The only redeeming features of The Quiller Memorandum are the scenes of Berlin with its old U-Bahn train and wonderful Mercedes automobiles, and the presence of two beautiful German women, Senta Berger and Edith Schneider; those two females epitomize Teutonic womanhood for me. It certainly held my interest, partly because it was set in Berlin and even mentioned the street I lived on several times. Write by: But soon he finds that she has been kidnapped and Oktober gives a couple of hours to him to give the location of the site; otherwise Inge and him will be killed. On the other hand, the female lead is played by the charming Senta Berger, then aged 25, who does very well, and manages to be enigmatic, and gets just the right tone for the story. On paper, this film had all the makings of a potential masterpiece: youve got a marquee cast, headed up by George Segal, Max Von Sydow, and Alec Guinness, for starters. When Quiller decides to investigate the building, Inge says she will wait for him, while Hassler and the headmistress leave one of their cars for them. As usual for films which are difficult to pin down . You are a secret agent working for the British in Berlin. The latter reveals a local teacher has been unmasked as a Nazi. Inge tells him she loves him, and he tells her a phone number to call if he is not back in 20 minutes. Quiller investigates, but hes being followed and has been since the moment he entered Berlin. Quiller's assignment: to discover the location of the neo-Nazi . But Quiller shares an important kinship with Spy in that it challenges popular 007 mythmaking: freshly envisioning the unglamorous underside of an intelligence profession that the James Bond franchise had been relentlessly trivializing since its inception. The goal of /r/Movies is to provide an inclusive place for discussions and news about films with major releases. The casting of George Segal in the lead was a catastrophe, as he is so brash and annoying that one wants to scream. The Quiller Memorandum is the third Quiller novel that I have read, and it firmly establishes my opinion that Quiller is one of the finest series of espionage novels to have ever been written. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. His romantic interest is Senta Berger, whose understated and laconic dialog provides the perfect counterpoint to Segal's character. Max von Sydow plays the Nazi chief quietly but with high camp menace. Be the first to contribute. Two British agents are murdered by a mysterious Neo-Nazi organization in West Berlin. With what little information the British operatives are able to provide him especially in his most recent predecessor, Kenneth Lindsay Jones, working alone without backup against advice, Quiller decides to take a different but potentially more dangerous tact than those predecessors in showing himself at three places Jones was known to be investigating, albeit in coded terms, as the person who has now taken over the mission from Jones in the probability that the Nazis will try to abduct him for questioning to discover what exactly their opponents know or don't know, and to discover in turn their base of operations in West Berlin. Each reveal, in turn, provides a separate level of truth--or, as it may be, self-deception. In fact, he is derisory about agents who insist on being armed. The quarry for all the work is old Nazi higher officials who are now hiding behind new names and plotting to return Germany to the glory days of the Third Reich, complete with a resurrected Fhrer twenty years after the end of WW II. Quiller captures the contrast between the new and the seedy in the West Berlin of the 60s and how Germany remains haunted by the sins of its recent past. The former was a bracingly pessimistic Cold War alternative to freewheeling Bondian optimism that featured burnout boozer actor Richard Burton in an all-too-convincing performance as burnout boozer spy Alec Leamus. Conveniently for Quiller, shes also the only teacher there whos single and looks like a Bond girl. But the writing was sloppy and there was a wholly superfluous section on decoding a cipher, which wasn't even believable. The premise isn't far-fetched, but the details are. The book is built around a continual number of reveals. 2023's Most Anticipated Sequels, Prequels, and Spin-offs, Dirk Bauer . The Quiller Memorandum strips the spy persona down to its primal instincts, ditching the fancy paraphernalia in favor of a rather satisfying display of wits and gumption. Journeyman director Michael Andersons The Quiller Memorandum, which was as defiantly anti-Bond as you could get in 1966, has just been rescued from DVD mediocrity by the retro connoisseurs at Twilight Time and given a twenty-first-century Blu-ray upgrade. The Quiller Memorandum came near the peak of the craze for spy movies in the Sixties, but its dry, oddly sardonic tone sets it apart from both the James Bond-type sex-and-gadget thrillers and the more somber, "adult" spy dramas such as Martin Ritt's The Spy Who Came In from the Cold (1965). . Unfortunately, the film is weighed down, not only by a ponderous script, but also by a miscast lead; instead of a heavy weight actor in the mold of a William Holden, George Segal was cast as Quiller. The Quiller character is constantly making terrible decisions, and refuses to use a gun, and he's certainly no John Steed. A much better example of a spy novel-to-film adaptation would be Our Man in Havana, also starring Alec Guinness. Michael Anderson directs a classy slice of '60s spy-dom. Watchlist. The Quiller Memorandum book. Apparently, it was made into a classic movie and there is even a website compiled by Trevor devotees. The Quiller Memorandum's strengths and charms are perhaps a bit too subtle for a spy thriller, but those who like their espionage movies served up with a sheen of intelligence rather than gloss or mockery will embrace Quiller.Still, there's no denying that that intelligence doesn't go as deep as it thinks it does, which can be frustrating. Quiller avoids answering Oktober's questions about Quiller's agency, until a doctor injects him with a truth serum, after which he reveals a few minor clues. Adam Hall/Elleston Trevor certainly produces the unexpected. 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Submissions should be for the purpose of informing or initiating a discussion, not just to entertain readers. I'm generally pretty forgiving of film adaptations of novels, but the changes that were made just do not make sense. Quiller being injected with truth serum by agents of Phoenix. I liked that the main character was ornery and tired and smart and still made mistakes and tried to see all possible outcomes at once and fought more against jumping to conclusions and staying alert and clear-headed than he did directly against the villains themselves. Not terribly audience-friendly, but smart and very, very cool. In a clever subversion of genre expectations, the plot and storyline ignore contemporary East versus West Cold War themes altogether (East Berlin is, in fact, never mentioned in the film). Unfortunately, the film is weighed down, not only by a ponderous script, but also by a miscast lead; instead of a heavy weight actor in the mold of a William Holden, George Segal was cast as Quiller. Elleston Trevor (pictured) himself was a prolific, award-winning writer, producing novels under a range of pen names nine in total! He is the true faceless spy. Oh, there are some problems, and Michael Anderson's direction is. The shooting on location in Berlin makes it that much more thrilling. It relies. When they find, Quiller gives the phone number of his base to Inge and investigates the place. Alec Guinness is excellent as a spy chief, and he gives a faint whiff of verisimilitude to this hopeless film. youtu.be/rQ4PA3H6pAw. Quiller then returns to his hotel, followed by the men who remain outside. Composer Barry provides an atmospheric score (though one that is somewhat of a departure from the notes and instruments used in his more famous pieces), but silence is put to good use as well. It's a bit strange to see such exquisitely Pinter-esque dialogue (the laconic, seemingly innocuous sentences; the profound silences; the syntax that isn't quite how real people actually talk) in a spy movie, but it really works. Can someone explain it to me? [7][8], Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Quiller_Memorandum&oldid=1135714025, "Wednesday's Child" main theme (instrumental), "Wednesday's Child" vocal version (lyrics: Mack David / vocals: Matt Monro), "Have You Heard of a Man Called Jones?" He begins openly asking question about Neo-Nazis and is soon kidnapped by a man known only as "Oktober". "[4], The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reports that 67% of critics have given the film a positive rating, based on 12 reviews, with an average score of 7.4/10. The Quiller Memorandum is a film adaptation of the 1965 spy novel The Berlin Memorandum, by Trevor Dudley-Smith, screenplay by Harold Pinter, directed by Michael Anderson, featuring George Segal, Max von Sydow, Senta Berger and Alec Guinness.The film was shot on location in West Berlin and in Pinewood Studios, England.The film was nominated for 3 BAFTA Awards, while Pinter was nominated for an . Book 4 stars, narration by Simon Prebble 4 stars. He accepts the assignment and almost immediately finds that he is being followed. Meanwhile , Quiller befriends and fall in love for a teacher , Inge Lindt (Senta Berger) , and both of whom suffer constant dangers . I listened to the audio version narrated by Andrew B Wehrlen and found it an utterly engaging tale. This is a nom de plume for author. With a screenplay by Harold Pinter and careful direction by Michael Anderson, the movie is more a violent-edged tale of probable, cynical betrayal by everyone we meet, with the main character, Quiller (George Segal), squeezed by those he works for, those he works against and even by the delectable German teacher, Inge Lendt (Senta Berger) he meets. For my money, the top three cold war spy novelists were Le Carre, Deighton, and Adam Hall. Alec Guinness never misses a trick in his few scenes as the cold, witty fish in charge of Berlin sector investigations. Watchable and intriguing as it occasionally is, enigmatic is perhaps the most apposite adjective you could use to describe the "action" within. Although competing against a whole slew of other titles in the spies-on-every-corner vein, the novel, "The Quiller Memorandum" was amazingly successful in book stores. In the process, he discovers a complex and malevolent plot, more dangerous to the world than any crime committed during the war. Sadly the Quiller novels have fallen out of favour with the apparentend of the Cold War. In terms of style The Quiller books aretaut and written with narrative pace at the forefront. In the West Berlin of the 1960s, two British agents are killed by a Nazi group, prompting British Intelligence to dispatch agent Quiller to investigate. Read our extensive list of rules for more information on other types of posts like fan-art and self-promotion, or message the moderators if you have any questions. The cast is full of familiar faces: Alec Guinness, who doesn't have much of a role, George Sanders, who has even less of one, Max von Sydow in what was to become a very familiar part for him, Robert Helpmann, Robert Flemyng, and the beautiful, enigmatic Senta Berger. Max von Sydow as a senior post-War Nazi conspirator over-acts and is way out of control, Anderson being so hopeless and just a bystander who can have done no directing at all. With George Segal, Alec Guinness, Max von Sydow, Senta Berger. It's hard to believe this book won the Edgar for Best Novel, against books by Mary Stewart, Len Deighton, Ross MacDonald, Dorothy Salisbury Davis, and H.R.F. Director Michael Anderson Writers Trevor Dudley Smith (based on the novel by) Harold Pinter (screenplay) Stars George Segal Alec Guinness Max von Sydow See production, box office & company info Alec Guinness plays spymaster Pol, Quillers minder. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Quilleris a code name. Oktober demands Quiller reveal the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) base by dawn or Inge will be killed. Soon Quiller is confronted with Neo-Nazi chief "Oktober" and involved in a dangerous game where each side tries to find out the enemy's headquarters at any price. He steals a taxi, evades a pursuing vehicle and books himself into a squalid hotel. Really sad. The setting is Cold War-divided Berlinwhere Quillertackles a threat from a group ofneo-Nazis whocall themselves Phoenix. To do his job George Segal's hapless Quiller must set himself out as bait in the middle of a pressure play in West Berlin. His job is to locate their headquarters. The Quiller Memorandum is a 1966 British neo noir eurospy film filmed in Deluxe Color and Panavision, adapted from the 1965 spy novel The Berlin Memorandum, by Elleston Trevor under the name "Adam Hall", screenplay by Harold Pinter, directed by Michael Anderson, featuring George Segal, Alec Guinness, Max von Sydow and Senta Berger. In a feint to see if Quiller will reveal more by oversight, Oktober decides to spare his life. This well-drawn tale of espionage is set in West B. A spy thriller for chess players. George Sanders and others back in London play the stock roles of arch SIS mandarins who love putting people down, wearing black tie and being the snobs that they are. It out the quiller? The Quiller Memorandum (1966) is one such film, and though it's one of the more obscure ones, it is also one of the better ones. Also contains one of the final appearences of George Sanders in a brief role, a classic in his own right! The original, primary mission has been completely omitted. The protagonist, Quiller, is not a superhuman, like the James Bond types, nor does he have a satchel full of fancy electronic tricks up his sleeve. When Quiller refuses to talk, Oktober orders his execution. (What with wanting to go to sleep and wanting to scream at the same time, this film does pose certain conflict problems.) Published chrismass61 Aug 21 2013 Inga is unrecognizable and has been changed to the point of uselessness. His virtual army of nearly silent, oddball henchmen add to the flavor of paranoia and nervousness. Von Sydow (one of the few actors to have recovered from playing Jesus Christ and gone on to a varied and lengthy career) is excellent. In the mid-Sixties, the subgenre of the James Bond backlash film was becoming a crowded market. It looks like we don't have any synopsis for this title yet. For example, when the neo-Nazi goons are sticking to Quiller like fly paper, wasn't he suspicious when they did not follow him into his hotel? Yes, Scream VI Marketing Is Behind the Creepy Ghostface Sightings Causing Scares Across the U.S. David Oyelowo, Taylor Sheridan's 'Bass Reeves' Series at Paramount+ Casts King Richard Star Demi Singleton (EXCLUSIVE), Star Trek: Discovery to End With Season 5, Paramount+ Pushes Premiere to 2024. The Berlin Memorandum, renamed The Quiller Memorandum, was published in 1965 by Elleston Trevor, who used the pseudonym Adam Hall. Thanks in advance. Michael Anderson directs a classy slice of '60s spy-dom. The setting is Cold War-divided Berlin where Quiller tackles a threat from a group of neo-Nazis who call themselves Phoenix. As classic as it gets. This isachievedviaQuillers first person perspective. Quiller drives off, managing to shake Hengel, then notices men in another car following him. They both go to the building, whereupon they are captured. You are the hero of an extraordinary novel that shows how a spy works, how messages are coded and decoded, how contacts are made, how a man reacts under the influence of truth drugs, and that traces the story of a vastly complex, entertaining, convincing, and sinister plot. The film is ludicrous. So, at this level. Quiller confronts a man who seems to be following him, revealing that he (Quiller) speaks German fluently. He first meets with Pol, who explains that each side is trying to discover and annihilate the other's base. He also has to endure some narcotically enhanced interrogation, which is the basis of one of the novel's most thrilling chapters. And whats more, Quillers espionage tale is free of the silly gimmicks and gadgetry that define the escapist Bond franchise. They are all members of Phoenix, led by the German aristocrat code-named Oktober. The love interest between Quiller and Inge (Senta Berger) developed with no foundation. Fresh off an Oscar nomination for the mental anguish he suffered at the hands of Richard Burton and Liz Taylor in Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf (also 1966), George Segal seems, in hindsight, a dubious choice to play the offbeat Quiller.