A Murder of Quality

A 1991 television film directed by Gavin Millar with a screenplay by John le Carré, based on his 1962 novel of the same name. It premiered on 10 April 1991 on ITV in the United Kingdom. The story follows George Smiley (Denholm Elliott), a former British intelligence officer, who is asked by his old friend Ailsa Brimley (Glenda Jackson) to investigate the murder of Stella Rode. Prior to her death, Stella had sent Brimley a letter claiming that her husband, Carne School teacher Stanley Rode (David Threlfall), was plotting to kill her. As Smiley delves into the case, he uncovers numerous secrets, including Stella's blackmailing of fellow teacher Terence Fielding (Joss Ackland) over his past homosexual activities. Ultimately, Smiley reveals that the murderer is not Stanley Rode, but Terence Fielding. The film also features Billie Whitelaw as Mad Janie and a young Christian Bale as Tim Perkins, a student at Carne School. Critics praised the film. "The New York Times" noted: "Mr. Elliott is perfect as the gray, piercingly intelligent Smiley; and his co-stars are sparkling."