Scripts
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy poster

1973

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy script

George Smiley, a recently retired British intelligence officer, is secretly tasked with uncovering a Soviet mole within the highest ranks of MI6, known as the Circus, after a botched mission in Hungary led to the dismissal of his mentor, Control. Smiley, aided by Peter Guillam and Mendel, meticulously investigates the Circus's top agents—Percy Alleline, Bill Haydon, Roy Bland, and Toby Esterhase—who are running a clandestine operation called Witchcraft, supposedly providing valuable Soviet intelligence. The investigation intensifies as Smiley interviews former colleagues, including the disgraced researcher Connie Sachs and the traumatized field agent Jim Prideaux, who was shot during the Hungarian mission, slowly piecing together the mole's identity and the true nature of Witchcraft. Ricki Tarr, a rogue agent, contacts Smiley with information about a Soviet defector, Irina, who claimed to know the identity of the mole, revealing that Witchcraft is a deception orchestrated by Soviet spymaster Karla to feed disinformation to the British.

Writer
Bridget O'Connor & Peter Straughan
IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt1340800
Script date
1973
189Scenes
17Characters
91Pages
1Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Save the Cat analysis

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy follows George Smiley’s painstaking hunt for a Soviet mole at the highest levels of British intelligence.

Open full beat sheet
45

Key characters

UNKNOWN

UNKNOWN is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, UNKNOWN is connected to 143 scenes, 5007 dialogue lines, first appearing around scene 1.

143 scenes / 5007 dialogue lines

Jim Prideaux

Jim Prideaux is listed as Intelligence Officer. Tall, rugged, former field agent. In the parsed data, Jim Prideaux is connected to 32 scenes, 54 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

32 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Peter Guillam

Peter Guillam is listed as Intelligence Officer. Handsome, boyish, loyal. In the parsed data, Peter Guillam is connected to 24 scenes, 54 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

24 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Ricki Tarr

Ricki Tarr is listed as Scalphunter. Feral, dangerous, resourceful. In the parsed data, Ricki Tarr is connected to 19 scenes, 36 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

19 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Toby Esterhase

Toby Esterhase is listed as Circus Lieutenant. Immaculate, nervous. In the parsed data, Toby Esterhase is connected to 14 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

14 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Bill Haydon

Bill Haydon is listed as Circus Lieutenant. Handsome, urbane, charming. In the parsed data, Bill Haydon is connected to 13 scenes, 27 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

13 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

char_16

char_16 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_16 is connected to 12 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

12 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Percy Alleline

Percy Alleline is listed as Circus Lieutenant. Ambitious, Scottish accent. In the parsed data, Percy Alleline is connected to 11 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

11 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

George Smiley

George Smiley is listed as Retired Intelligence Officer. Intelligent, observant, and methodical. In the parsed data, George Smiley is connected to 9 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

9 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Irina

Irina is listed as Defector. Mysterious, desperate. In the parsed data, Irina is connected to 8 scenes, 50 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

8 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Control

Control is listed as Head of the Circus. Elderly, ill, suspicious. In the parsed data, Control is connected to 7 scenes, 232 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

7 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

char_14

char_14 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_14 is connected to 7 scenes, first appearing around scene 2.

7 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Oliver Lacon

Oliver Lacon is listed as Permanent Under-secretary. Bureaucratic, anxious. In the parsed data, Oliver Lacon is connected to 7 scenes, first appearing around scene 2.

7 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Connie Sachs

Connie Sachs is listed as Researcher. Obsessive, knowledgeable. In the parsed data, Connie Sachs is connected to 6 scenes, 30 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.

6 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Roy Bland

Roy Bland is listed as Circus Lieutenant. Heavy set, moustached. In the parsed data, Roy Bland is connected to 6 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

6 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

char_15

char_15 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_15 is connected to 3 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

3 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Karla

Karla is listed as Soviet Spymaster. Fanatical, elusive. In the parsed data, Karla is connected to 1 scene, 134 text mentions, first appearing around scene 10.

1 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. EXT. CIRCUS

    Control and Smiley share a somber, reserved goodbye outside the Circus before Control departs.

    Control, Jim Prideaux

  2. 1. INT. PRIDEAUX'S CARAVAN - NIGHT

    Smiley visits Prideaux to discuss the failed Hungarian mission and the mole theory.

    George Smiley, Jim Prideaux

  3. 1. EXT. GARAGE

    Guillam arrives at a car body repair shop to meet a contact.

    Peter Guillam

  4. 1. INT. SMILEY'S HOUSE - DAY

    Smiley arrives home to discover evidence of an intimate encounter between his wife and an unseen partner.

    Jim Prideaux

  5. 1. INT. SMILEY'S HOUSE

    Smiley interrogates Ricki Tarr about his past actions and the message he sent to the Circus regarding the defector.

    Jim Prideaux, Ricki Tarr

  6. 1. INT. CIRCUS - DUTY OFFICERS ROOM

    Westerby calls Smiley's house to check if he has returned.

    Peter Guillam, Jim Prideaux, char_15

  7. 1. PUB

    Bland and Guillam discuss work and personal matters while Bland probes for information about Guillam's recent activities.

    Roy Bland, Peter Guillam

  8. 1. INT. SAFE HOUSE - LISTENING ROOM

    Smiley monitors the safe house as Polyakov and an unknown visitor arrive.

    Jim Prideaux, Irina

  9. 1. INT. CIRCUS - READING ROOM

    Guillam swaps a file while being observed by Alwyn and others.

    Peter Guillam, George Smiley

  10. 1. CIRCUS - GROUND-FLOOR LOBBY

    A mystery man carrying a briefcase enters the Circus lobby, acknowledged by the porter Bryant.

  11. 1. INT. ISTANBUL - GARAGE

    Ricki Tarr conducts a deal involving a sports car.

    Ricki Tarr

  12. 1. EXT. HUNGARY - BUDAPEST

    Budapest skyline during the Cold War, featuring a young boy watching jets.

  13. 1. INT. SAFE HOUSE - LISTENING ROOM

    Smiley monitors the situation via phone with Mendel while preparing a tripwire in the dark room.

    Jim Prideaux, char_16

  14. 1. INT. CONTROL'S FLAT

    Smiley clears Control's flat and identifies Haydon as the mole.

    Jim Prideaux, Bill Haydon

  15. 1. INT. CIRCUS - GROUND-FLOOR LOBBY

    Esterhase departs the Circus with Bryant.

    Toby Esterhase

  16. 1. INT. CIRCUS - CONFERENCE ROOM

    Control confronts his inner circle, including Alleline, Bland, and Esterhase, about the secret 'Witchcraft' operation, while Smiley watches with skepticism.

    Control, Percy Alleline, Roy Bland, Toby Esterhase, Bill Haydon, Jim Prideaux

  17. 1. EXT. HAMPSTEAD PONDS

    Smiley tasks Guillam with retrieving the duty officer's log book from the Circus.

    Jim Prideaux, Peter Guillam, char_16

  18. 1. EXT. HOTEL ISLAY - GUILLAM'S CAR

    Smiley and Guillam discuss the 'Tinker, Tailor' reference and how Esterhase might have known about it.

    Jim Prideaux, Peter Guillam

  19. 2. INT. CIRCUS - READING ROOM

    Guillam completes the file switch and is intercepted by Esterhase.

    Peter Guillam, Toby Esterhase, George Smiley

  20. 2. INT. BUDAPEST - TRAIN STATION - DAY

    Prideaux arrives in Budapest and observes the surveillance agents.

    George Smiley

  21. 2. INT. HOTEL ISLAY - SMILEY'S ROOM

    Mendel brings tea to Smiley, interrupting his work.

    char_16, Jim Prideaux

  22. 2. LONDON UNDERGROUND

    The mystery man travels on a crowded train.

  23. 2. EXT. HAMPSTEAD POND

    Smiley swims in the pond as part of his retirement routine.

    Jim Prideaux

  24. 2. INT. SMILEY'S HOUSE - DAY

    Smiley discovers Bill Haydon in his house.

    Jim Prideaux, Bill Haydon

  25. 2. EXT. HOTEL ISLAY

    Smiley exits the car and asks Guillam to watch his back.

    Jim Prideaux, Peter Guillam

  26. 2. EXT. GARAGE

    Guillam meets Mendel and learns of a venue change.

    Peter Guillam, char_16

  27. 2. EXT. BUDAPEST STREET

    Jim Prideaux walks through a busy Budapest street, crossing paths with a contact.

    George Smiley

  28. 2. INT. CASINO - CASINO FLOOR

    Westerby recounts the night of the crisis to Smiley.

    Peter Guillam, Jim Prideaux, Bill Haydon, Oliver Lacon

  29. 2. EXT. ABANDONED AIRFIELD

    Smiley confronts Esterhase about files delivered to the Russian attache.

    Toby Esterhase, Jim Prideaux

  30. 2. EXT. SMILEY'S HOUSE

    Smiley returns home appearing exhausted.

    Jim Prideaux

  31. 2. GUILLAM'S FLAT

    Guillam spends a quiet evening with his lover, Richard.

    Peter Guillam

  32. 2. EXT. CIRCUS

    Guillam arrives at the Circus building.

    Peter Guillam

  33. 2. INT. ISTANBUL - IMPORT/EXPORT OFFICE

    A tense Tarr receives a stalling response from the Circus while waiting in the office.

    Ricki Tarr

  34. 2. EXT. ISTANBUL - DOCKS

    Irina drives while Ricki Tarr sleeps in the back seat.

    Ricki Tarr, char_14

  35. 2. INT. SAFE HOUSE - GROUND FLOOR

    A recording of Polyakov discussing Ricki Tarr.

    Irina

  36. 2. EXT. SAFE HOUSE - TOW PATH

    Guillam watches the house while Mendel tracks the movement of suspects.

    Peter Guillam, char_16

  37. 3. INT. CONTROL'S FLAT

    Guillam confronts Ricki Tarr, and Smiley investigates the missing log book entry.

    Peter Guillam, Jim Prideaux, Ricki Tarr

  38. 3. EXT. ISTANBUL - TARR'S APARTMENT

    Tarr observes Irina's hotel balcony.

    Ricki Tarr

  39. 3. INT. SMILEY'S HOUSE

    Smiley discovers his wife Ann has returned home.

    Jim Prideaux, char_15

  40. 3. EXT. HAMPSTEAD POND

    Smiley dries himself and reflects on his new life.

    Jim Prideaux

  41. 3. EXT. SUBWAY EXIT

    Prideaux and the Magyar approach the Galeria building.

    George Smiley

  42. 3. EXT. SAFE HOUSE - TOW PATH

    Guillam signals that the operation is ready.

    Peter Guillam

  43. 3. EXT. SAFE HOUSE

    The mystery man approaches the safe house.

  44. 3. INT. SAFE HOUSE - LISTENING ROOM

    Smiley maintains his vigil in the dark.

    Jim Prideaux, char_16

  45. 3. INT. SAFE HOUSE - MEETING ROOM

    Esterhase facilitates a meeting where Polyakov photographs documents.

    Toby Esterhase, Irina

  46. 3. INT. HOTEL ISLAY - SMILEY'S ROOM

    Smiley listens to old tapes of Ricki Tarr, leading to a breakthrough.

    Jim Prideaux, Ricki Tarr

  47. 3. INT. BUDAPEST - GALERIA - DAY

    Prideaux is ambushed at the Galeria.

    George Smiley

  48. 3. INT. SMILEY'S HOUSE - DAY - PAST

    Flashback to a past interaction between Smiley and Bill Haydon at the house.

    Jim Prideaux, Bill Haydon

  49. 3. INT. CIRCUS

    Haydon takes charge of the crisis upon learning Prideaux was shot.

    Bill Haydon, Peter Guillam, George Smiley, Toby Esterhase

  50. 3. EXT. HOTEL ISLAY

    Lacon arrives at the hotel.

    Oliver Lacon

  51. 3. INT. ISTANBUL - WORKERS CANTEEN

    Irina reveals to Ricki Tarr that she wants to defect.

    Ricki Tarr, char_14

  52. 3. INT. CIRCUS - FIFTH FLOOR - OUTSIDE ALLELINE'S OFFICE

    Guillam and Esterhase arrive at the Fifth Floor anteroom.

    Peter Guillam, Toby Esterhase

  53. 3. INT. HOTEL ISLAY - SMILEY'S ROOM

    Smiley and Mendel discuss a suspicious payment made to the deceased Jim Prideaux.

    char_16, Jim Prideaux

  54. 3. INT. CIRCUS - GROUND-FLOOR LOBBY

    Guillam undergoes security screening and is confronted by Haydon.

    Peter Guillam, Bill Haydon

  55. 4. INT. PRIDEAUX'S FLAT

    Haydon and Westerby search Prideaux's flat.

    Bill Haydon, Peter Guillam

  56. 4. INT. SMILEY'S HOUSE - DAY

    Smiley observes Haydon leaving the room to consult with Ann.

    Jim Prideaux, Bill Haydon

  57. 4. INT. CIRCUS - CONFERENCE ROOM

    Alleline interrogates Guillam about his contact with Ricki Tarr.

    Percy Alleline, Roy Bland, Bill Haydon, Toby Esterhase, Peter Guillam

  58. 4. EXT. ISTANBUL - IRINA'S HOTEL

    Boris watches Tarr from the hotel balcony.

  59. 4. INT. BUDAPEST - GALERIA - DAY

    Prideaux is loaded into an ambulance.

    George Smiley

  60. 4. INT. MINISTERIAL MEETING ROOM

    Smiley confronts the Minister and Lacon about the mole and the Witchcraft operation.

    Jim Prideaux, Peter Guillam, Oliver Lacon

  61. 4. EXT. ABANDONED AIRFIELD

    Esterhase confirms his involvement in the delivery.

    Toby Esterhase

  62. 4. INT. CIRCUS - FIFTH FLOOR PARTY

    A flashback to a lively Christmas party at the Circus where Haydon and Prideaux are present.

    Bill Haydon, Connie Sachs, Roy Bland, Toby Esterhase, Control, Jim Prideaux

  63. 4. EXT. THURSGOOD SCHOOL - PLAYING FIELDS

    Prideaux exercises at the school while students watch.

    George Smiley

  64. 4. INT. SAFE HOUSE - GROUND FLOOR

    Mrs. McCraig observes the mystery man approaching as her dog barks.

  65. 4. INT. PARIS - CYPHER ROOM

    Tarr and Ben intercept a transmission from Alleline.

    Ricki Tarr, Percy Alleline

  66. 4. INT. CIRCUS - READING ROOM

    Guillam enters the archive reading room.

    Peter Guillam

  67. 4. INT. SMILEY'S HOUSE

    Smiley questions Tarr about the credibility of Irina's offer.

    Jim Prideaux, Ricki Tarr

  68. 4. INT. CIRCUS - FIFTH FLOOR

    A staff member organizes files in the new Circus regime led by Alleline.

    Percy Alleline

  69. 4. HOTEL ISLAY - SMILEY'S ROOM

    Smiley and Guillam brief Lacon on the investigation, using a chessboard to organize evidence.

    Jim Prideaux, Peter Guillam, Oliver Lacon, char_16

  70. 4. INT. BUDAPEST - GALERIA

    Prideaux meets a contact at a cafe, but the meeting is a setup, leading to a shooting.

    George Smiley

  71. 4. EXT. HOTEL ISLAY

    Smiley and Guillam arrive at the hotel.

    Jim Prideaux, Peter Guillam

  72. 4. EXT. SAFE HOUSE - TOW PATH

    Guillam meets Lacon and Mendel.

    Peter Guillam, Oliver Lacon, char_16

  73. 5. INT. SAFE HOUSE - GROUND FLOOR

    Mrs. McCraig admits the mystery man into the house.

  74. 5. EXT. HQ OF BRITISH INTELLIGENCE - THE CIRCUS

    Aerial view of the Circus.

  75. 5. INT. SMILEY'S HOUSE

    Smiley cooks a solitary meal.

    Jim Prideaux

  76. 5. EXT. HOTEL ISLAY

    Lacon departs the hotel.

    Oliver Lacon

  77. 5. INT. THURSGOOD SCHOOL - CLASSROOM

    Prideaux reacts to a chaotic event involving a bird in the classroom.

    George Smiley

  78. 5. INT. ISTANBUL - TARR'S APARTMENT

    Tarr pressures Irina to reveal the nature of her secret.

    Ricki Tarr, char_14

  79. 5. INT. ISTANBUL - IRINA'S HOTEL

    Boris reacts to the situation inside the hotel room.

  80. 5. INT. CIRCUS - READING ROOM

    Guillam requisitions files.

    Peter Guillam

Dialogue examples

I want to talk about loyalty Toby. Control recruited you when you were trying to escape from Hungary didn't he? A wanted man. Saved you from a KGB bullet, didn't he? And yet, when the time came, when it came to picking sides between him and Alleline, you didn't hesitate? Understandable perhaps, with your war experience. You've survived this long, I suppose, because of your ability to change sides, serve any Master?

UNKNOWN / Scene 2

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