A tyre factory deal turns into an arms race — capitalism meets communism with a smirk.
A cool hard study of 'the art of the deal' on a global scale. Sir Peter, the chillingly affable chief exec of big British multi-national UKM, learns that the Soviet Union's chief scientists are in London with government credit to spend. He's keen to flog them a tyre-production plant. based in the Ukraine, which will unshackle UKM from bothersome unions at home. But at the negotiating table, it fast becomes apparent that the Soviets are more interested in the laser technology UKM employs to vulcanise their tyres; and Peter starts to foresee a new future in military aerospace for his ever fiexible firm.
Acting
Graham Crowden's terrifyingly plausible corporate monster.
Direction
Alan Clarke's clinical, unblinking gaze at human transaction.
Writing
Dialogue so sharp it draws blood without raising voices.
Director
Alan Clarke
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Made during the dying days of the Cold War, it captures Thatcher's Britain weaponizing privatization. The tyre factory plot eerily mirrors real UK-Soviet trade negotiations of the era.
Steven Berkoff's Kozlov was reportedly cast after Clarke saw his theatrical work — the director wanted physical intimidation without raising a voice.
GB
