Game, Set and Match
A 1988 spy serial based on Len Deighton's novels.
Game, Set and Match is a 1988 television serial directed by Ken Grieve and Patrick Lau and written by John Howlett. Based on Len Deighton's novels Berlin Game (1983), Mexico Set (1984), and London Match (1985), the series follows British intelligence officer Bernard Samson as he hunts for a mole in East Germany. Despite critical acclaim, the series had poor ratings.
- type
- Television serial
- year
- 1988
- directors
- Ken Grieve, Patrick Lau
- writer
- John Howlett
- based_on
- Novels by Len Deighton
- budget
- $8 million
- starring
- Ian Holm
Lore & Background
The serial was filmed on location in Berlin and Mexico, with a large international cast including 3,000 extras. The two directors worked separately on different episodes. Ian Holm was nominated for a BAFTA award for his portrayal of Bernard Samson. The series aired in 1989 in the United States as part of the PBS show Mystery!
Reader's Guide
Game, Set and Match is significant as an ambitious adaptation of Len Deighton's spy trilogy, notable for its location filming and large cast. While critically acclaimed, its poor ratings prevented it from becoming a mainstream success. The series is remembered for Ian Holm's BAFTA-nominated performance and its complex plot involving moles and defections. Its soundtrack by Richard Harvey was released on LP and partially reissued in 2016.
Did You Know?
- The series had a budget of $8 million and used 3,000 extras.
- Ian Holm was nominated for a BAFTA award for his role as Bernard Samson.
- The two directors, Ken Grieve and Patrick Lau, worked separately on different episodes.
- The soundtrack was released on LP in 1988 and partially reissued in 2016.
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