Reilly, Ace of Spies

Watch Reilly, Ace of Spies

  • 1983
  • 1 Season

Reilly, Ace of Spies is a British television show first aired in 1983. It is based on the book "Ace of Spies" by Robin Bruce Lockhart, and tells the true story of Sidney Reilly, who was a spy during the early 20th century. The show stars Sam Neill as Sidney Reilly, Michael Bryant as Sir Basil Thomson, and Leo McKern as Zaharov. The show depicts the life and adventures of Sidney Reilly, a Russian born British spy who lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Reilly was a complex character, full of charm and wit, and was known for his daring and cunning intelligence. He worked for the British government during World War I, undertaking dangerous missions behind enemy lines. The show is set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, with the rise of the Bolsheviks in Russia, the outbreak of World War I, and the decline of the British Empire. The cinematography is beautiful and sets the tone for the show. The costumes and sets are also carefully crafted, and help transport the viewer into the world of the early 20th century. The story is told in a series of episodic adventures that span the entire run of the show. Each episode is self-contained, but there is an overarching narrative that connects all of them. Reilly's adventures take him from Scotland to Russia, Germany, France, England, and New York, and he crosses paths with many famous historical figures, such as Lenin, Trotsky, Winston Churchill, and the British aristocracy. Sam Neill, who plays Sidney Reilly, is brilliant in the role. He is charismatic and charming, but also has a darker side. He is a man who is always looking for the next adventure, and is willing to do whatever it takes to complete his mission. Michael Bryant, who plays Sir Basil Thomson, is also excellent. He is the head of the British Secret Service, and is often at odds with Reilly's unorthodox methods. Leo McKern, who plays Zaharov, is also a standout, playing a villainous character who is always one step ahead of Reilly. One of the strengths of the show is its attention to historical detail. The show takes great care to accurately portray historic events, and to show their impact on the lives of ordinary people. The show also shines a light on the role of espionage during the early 20th century, and on the often hidden world of spies and secret agents. Overall, Reilly, Ace of Spies is an engaging and well-crafted show that is sure to appeal to fans of spy dramas and historical dramas. The show's attention to detail, strong performances, and engrossing story make it a standout in the genre, and a must-watch for anyone interested in the early 20th century.

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Seasons
Shutdown
12. Shutdown
November 16, 1983
1925: As Pepita tries to discover the truth behind her husband's disappearance, Reilly is interrogated and tortured by the Bolsheviks under Stalin's orders. Back in Britain, Cummings attempts to arrange for Reilly's rescue.
The Last Journey
11. The Last Journey
November 9, 1983
1925: Reilly marries Pepita and then seeks revenge on the Trust for the death of Savinkov. Hoping to strike back at Dzerzhinsky, Reilly manipulates an invitation to Russia with the purpose of infiltrating the Cheka-backed organization.
The Trust
10. The Trust
November 2, 1983
1924: Now living in New York, Reilly is working with the FBI to thwart Bolshevik agents in America. A supposedly anti-Bolshevik organization called the Trust agitates for Savinkov's return to Russia, but Reilly mistrusts their motives.
After Moscow
9. After Moscow
October 26, 1983
1918: Having fled Russia following the failed assassination attempt on Lenin, Reilly returns to London, where he is met with acclaim but also faces an official inquiry. Meanwhile, in Russia, he is tried for treason in absentia.
Endgame
8. Endgame
October 19, 1983
1918: Determined to remove the Bolsheviks from power, Reilly attempts to convince the Latvian troops guarding the Kremlin to deliver Lenin into his hands. But the Cheka, the Bolsheviks' secret police, are hot on his trail.
Gambit
7. Gambit
October 12, 1983
1918: Reilly heads to Moscow to persuade the Bolsheviks to end their peace treaty with Germany. Should Russia fail to resume fighting in World War I, Reilly must enact an audacious plan to overthrow the government.
Dreadnoughts and Doublecrosses
6. Dreadnoughts and Doublecrosses
October 5, 1983
1910: Reilly angles to win the weapons contract with a complicated plan involving seduction and bribery. Unfortunately, his wife's reappearance threatens to ruin everything.
Dreadnoughts and Crosses
5. Dreadnoughts and Crosses
September 28, 1983
1910: Now working with a German shipping agency and having broken ties with the British secret service, Reilly is in St. Petersburg for the arms sale of the century, a contract to rebuild the Russian fleet.
Anna
4. Anna
September 21, 1983
1906: Searching for his errant wife, Reilly heads to Paris and unexpectedly meets up with his half-sister, Anna. While in France, Reilly competes with the Rothschilds to buy an oil contract at Cummings's command.
The Visiting Fireman
3. The Visiting Fireman
September 14, 1983
1905: Reilly undertakes a mission to obtain the plans of a naval gun from a German armaments factory. But when the operation is at risk of being exposed, Reilly must make some hard choices.
Prelude to War
2. Prelude to War
September 7, 1983
1904: Now stationed in Port Arthur, China, with his wife, Reilly passes information that enables the Japanese Navy to sink the Russian Pacific Squadron, setting off the Russo-Japanese War.
An Affair with a Married Woman
1. An Affair with a Married Woman
September 5, 1983
1901: Spy Sigmund Rosenblum is detained by Russian authorities, accused of stealing confidential oil surveys. When he escapes from custody, he leaves the young wife of an elderly vicar in a scandalous situation.
Description

Reilly, Ace of Spies is a British television show first aired in 1983. It is based on the book "Ace of Spies" by Robin Bruce Lockhart, and tells the true story of Sidney Reilly, who was a spy during the early 20th century. The show stars Sam Neill as Sidney Reilly, Michael Bryant as Sir Basil Thomson, and Leo McKern as Zaharov.

The show depicts the life and adventures of Sidney Reilly, a Russian born British spy who lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Reilly was a complex character, full of charm and wit, and was known for his daring and cunning intelligence. He worked for the British government during World War I, undertaking dangerous missions behind enemy lines.

The show is set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, with the rise of the Bolsheviks in Russia, the outbreak of World War I, and the decline of the British Empire. The cinematography is beautiful and sets the tone for the show. The costumes and sets are also carefully crafted, and help transport the viewer into the world of the early 20th century.

The story is told in a series of episodic adventures that span the entire run of the show. Each episode is self-contained, but there is an overarching narrative that connects all of them. Reilly's adventures take him from Scotland to Russia, Germany, France, England, and New York, and he crosses paths with many famous historical figures, such as Lenin, Trotsky, Winston Churchill, and the British aristocracy.

Sam Neill, who plays Sidney Reilly, is brilliant in the role. He is charismatic and charming, but also has a darker side. He is a man who is always looking for the next adventure, and is willing to do whatever it takes to complete his mission. Michael Bryant, who plays Sir Basil Thomson, is also excellent. He is the head of the British Secret Service, and is often at odds with Reilly's unorthodox methods. Leo McKern, who plays Zaharov, is also a standout, playing a villainous character who is always one step ahead of Reilly.

One of the strengths of the show is its attention to historical detail. The show takes great care to accurately portray historic events, and to show their impact on the lives of ordinary people. The show also shines a light on the role of espionage during the early 20th century, and on the often hidden world of spies and secret agents.

Overall, Reilly, Ace of Spies is an engaging and well-crafted show that is sure to appeal to fans of spy dramas and historical dramas. The show's attention to detail, strong performances, and engrossing story make it a standout in the genre, and a must-watch for anyone interested in the early 20th century.

Reilly, Ace of Spies is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on September 5, 1983.

Where to Watch Reilly, Ace of Spies

Reilly, Ace of Spies is available for streaming on the Acorn TV website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Reilly, Ace of Spies on demand at and PBS.

  • Premiere Date
    September 5, 1983