Directed by Martin Ritt and based on John le Carré’s acclaimed novel, “The Spy Who Came in From the Cold” is a bleak, Cold War-era espionage thriller. Richard Burton stars as Alec Leamas, a disillusioned British spy who is sent on a final, dangerous mission to East Germany under the guise of being a disgraced agent. His objective is to sow disinformation and eliminate a ruthless East German intelligence officer, but as the mission unfolds, Leamas becomes entangled in a web of deception, moral ambiguity, and betrayal.

The film’s stark black-and-white cinematography and grim tone reflect the moral compromises of espionage, where loyalty is fluid and no one can be trusted. As Leamas navigates a world of double-crosses and psychological manipulation, the lines between enemy and ally blur, leading to a devastating conclusion that questions the cost of Cold War tactics.

About Reel to Read

The page meets the screen at Reel to Read, a curated series of independent and classic cinema. These free screenings, hand-picked by librarians, local authors, and film experts, include a Recommended Reads list based on the movie.

Admission to this program is subject to venue capacity, and pre-registration DOES NOT GUARANTEE ENTRY. Registered guests are given priority check-in 15 minutes before showtime. After the event starts, all registered seats are released and all remaining admittance will be on a first-come, first-served basis. We anticipate our space may reach maximum capacity before showtime. We recommend arriving EARLY to secure your spot. Being respectful of all attendees, admittance to the program room will not be allowed 15 minutes after the start of the movie. We reserve the right to prohibit guests from holding seats and for late arrivals. There is no food or drinks are allowed in the SNFL program rooms.

Programs are subject to change or cancellation.

Time: 2:00-4:00 pm EST

Free!

Registration