Kim Philby - His Most Intimate Betrayal

Watch Kim Philby - His Most Intimate Betrayal

  • 2015
  • 1 Season

Kim Philby - His Most Intimate Betrayal is a compelling documentary that provides a deep insight into one of the most notorious spies of the 20th century, Kim Philby. The show covers his exploits as a spy and his ultimate betrayal of the British intelligence services.

The documentary is produced and presented by Ben Macintyre, who is an authority on espionage and has written extensively on the subject. Macintyre is well known for his book "A Spy Among Friends," which is based on the famous relationship between Philby and his friend, Nicholas Elliott.

Through a series of interviews, historical archives, and photos, the show provides an analytical view of Philby's early years, his recruitment into MI6, and his work as a Soviet spy. It also delves into his life in Moscow after his defection and the allegations that he continued to feed information to the British intelligence services.

One of the strengths of Kim Philby - His Most Intimate Betrayal is that it provides a clear picture of the historical and political context in which Philby operated. The show outlines the high stakes game of international espionage and highlights the impact that Philby's betrayal had on the British intelligence services.

The documentary also paints a picture of Philby as a complex and enigmatic character. Macintyre describes Philby as a man who lived in two worlds and was able to deceive everyone around him, including his closest friends and family. The show explores the psychological factors that drove Philby to betray his country and provides an insight into his motivations.

Throughout the show, the viewer is taken on a journey into the world of espionage and counter-espionage. The documentary highlights the tactics used by the Soviet Union to recruit agents and gather intelligence. It also showcases the methods used by the British intelligence services to uncover Soviet spies.

One of the standout moments in the show is the description of Philby's betrayal from the perspective of his friend and fellow intelligence officer, Nicholas Elliott. Macintyre uses interviews, personal letters, and historical records to build a picture of the close relationship between Philby and Elliott. He then describes the moment when Elliott realized that Philby was a Soviet spy and the aftermath of that discovery.

Overall, Kim Philby - His Most Intimate Betrayal is a well-produced and thought-provoking documentary that provides a fascinating insight into the world of espionage. The show is engaging and full of interesting details about Philby's life and his work as a spy. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the Cold War and the world of intelligence.

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Part 1
1. Part 1
September 28, 2015
In this two part special, best-selling author Ben Macintyre explores Kim Philby, the most famous double agent in history. Philby was a man of contradictions - charming and courteous, but also a fanatic and a ruthless killer, who deceived his colleagues in MI6 and MI5 and the CIA.
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  • Premiere Date
    September 28, 2015