Vlassov is a Soviet spy who defects in France. He is whisked to the U.S, where Allan Davies takes over the case. After polygraph tests and cross-examinations, Vlassov names several Western European agents who are also spying for the Soviets. Davies wants to take the listed agents into custody; meanwhile, those on the list start dying under mysterious circumstances.
Acting
Brynner's ice-cold defector vs. Fonda's crumbling authority.
Direction
Verneuil builds dread through bureaucratic procedure.
Production
Gritty 70s European locations reeking of authenticity.
Director
Henri Verneuil
Yul Brynner
Col. Alexi Vlassov
Henry Fonda
Alan Davies
Dirk Bogarde
Philip Boyle
Virna Lisi
Mrs. Annabel Lee
Robert Alda
Polygraph interrogator
Farley Granger
Computer Programming Director
Philippe Noiret
Lucien Berthon
Michel Bouquet
Tavel
Martin Held
Lepke
Guy Tréjan
Deval
Marie Dubois
Suzanne
Elga Andersen
Kate Cross
André Falcon
French Diplomat
William Sabatier
Mercadier
François Maistre
inspecteur Joss
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Verneuil filmed in actual NATO-adjacent locations; some crew suspected of being watched.
Released months before Watergate broke, its institutional paranoia accidentally became documentary.
FR
