James Walton

What’ll happen next – or what’s happened so far – is anybody’s guess: The Ipcress File reviewed

Plus: what if Alan Partridge was a hunter of witches in 17th-century England, wonders a new BBC sitcom

The main aim of ITV's The Ipcress File is to be as cool and stylish as the 1960s films and TV it was paying tribute to 
issue 12 March 2022
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  • The Ipcress File

    ITV

  • The Witchfinder

    BBC2

ITV’s new version of The Ipcress File began with a close-up of a pair of black-rimmed glasses just like those worn by Michael Caine in the 1965 film. They were then put on by their owner (Joe Cole), thus transforming him into Harry Palmer – but also neatly establishing the kind of show we were in for.

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