Oscar nominee Richard Burton is a burnt-out British agent who refuses to "come in from the cold" to take a desk job-but instead launches into the most dangerous assignment of his career, stalking East German agent Oskar Werner. John Le Carre's best-selling novel provides the basis for this breathtaking thriller of espionage, intrigue, crosses, and double crosses. First-rate performances from the entire cast are matched by a tension-packed and brilliantly plotted screenplay, with masterful direction from Martin Ritt.