Fascinating account of Philby, the spy

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32700, 1 September 1971, Page 4

Fascinating account of Philby, the spy

Again a documentary was the outstanding contribution on Monday evening; “Philby A Ruthless Journey” was much more absorbing a look at international espionage than any of the works of lan Fleming. It was the story of a vast deceit practised for 30 years, a quite incredible tale.

It was much more engrossing than a novel —and what novelist would dare to put a Communist agent in charge of the British antiCommunist department of the secret service?

The picture of Philby was built up carefully and ably, from his early days at Cambridge until he became director of counter-espionage in the British Intelligence Service. There was some useful film material from the 1930’5, and some taken by his son in Moscow on a visit to his father. The astonishing feature of

the story was the absolute ease with which Philby managed to infiltrate into the Secret Intelligence Service. It was a simply-told story, but it was most effective, especially in- tracing his relationship with Burgess, Mac Lean, and others. How Philby got away with it was astonishing luck, skill, charm must have counted for him. Perhaps the documentary did not present British intelligence in rhe best light, but there was no question of it being angled that way. As a story and portrait of a man who went from undergraduate socialist to Russian agent, apparently, in the first place, to prove himself, it was absorbing television. ♦ * ♦

“Grandstand” presented some splendid film of the New Zealand rowing eight winning the final of the European championship at Copenhagen. Many viewers must have shared a pride in the performance of the New Zealand crew; and what a glorious background there was to the course.

In its round-up of local events of importance the international squash rackets tournament, the national hockey and netball events, and the Ranfurly Shield match with Auckland "Grandstand” put together a particularly interesting programme. * # *

Again “Love American Style” was consistently amusing, the Red Buttons sketch of the television sports maniac being the best of them. And this viewer enjoyed “Get Smart.” It may become tiresome if seen too often, but this week it was well up to its best standard, especially with Don Adams’s delightful impersonation of Ronald CoIman.—PANDORA.