Product: The Whistle Blower [VHS] (1987)
Rating: 2.0
Who Is Listening to You?
The Whistle Blower, 1987 filmThe movie begins with a parade in London. Next we see a man being tested with a polygraph (the so-called "lie detector" which only measures emotions). We see man in a subway fall under a train. (Was it a murder designed to look like an accident?) "Taking the bait?" Next we see a family gathering. Bob works at GCHQ, they are encouraged to spy on each other. [Unusual?] His father Frank recommends job security. Bob talks too much about his work listening to telephone conversations. [There were no cell phones in those days.] Later, Adam is found in his garage with the motor running? Another accident? We see how business is done via the old boy network (its who you know). A spy escapes from prison and goes into hiding. Is he safe? Or is there some trick? Frank Jones hears very bad news: his son Bob fell off a roof. A journalist from "The Senator" shows up (a left-wing rag). Mr. Jones visits his son's apartment. A woman calls then hangs up. Who tidied up Bob's room? Was anything removed from Bob's room?"I'm not out to change the system." A man talks to Mr. Jones at the funeral. He sent a picture to Gregg! An old friend tells Mr. Jones about what he did, and gives a name. Jones is taken to a large mansion where is given a lecture about cooperation. Censorship will keep any unwanted news from being published. [A "D notice, for DORA.] Could Jones be sent to a psychiatric hospital for interfering? Jones goes to visit that secret traitor, who talks about his life. The Suez War changed his life. Will he write out a full confession when asked? Will there be a trick? There is a struggle and a surprise. Next we see that public parade to honor a very important person. Jones walks along the street with his son's remarks in his head. ["The scenes in this movie were purely imaginary."]Parts of this film need an understanding of British culture ("beamish boy"). It provides a look at parts of life in Britain. It is about average, the action is kept to a minimum (a low budget?). A better writer and director could have made this a better movie. The reason an old spy would be kept in place is to use him to misdirect the opposition. You can read "The Double-Cross System" for an historical example.