'A Conversation with John le Carré' (1982) by Jimmy Savile TV

'A Conversation with John le Carré' is a television special in which John le Carré (David Cornwell) discusses his life, career, and the enduring appeal of his espionage novels. In this program, le Carré offers an intimate look into his thoughts on writing, his characters, and the moral complexities of the Cold War and post-Cold War world.

The conversation delves into topics such as: His Writing Process: Le Carré provides insights into how he crafts his novels, emphasizing the importance of character development and his desire to explore the human condition through the lens of espionage.

George Smiley: His reflections on Smiley, one of his most famous characters, highlight the character's ethical dilemmas and unique qualities compared to more traditional spy figures like James Bond.

Themes of Betrayal and Loyalty: Le Carré elaborates on the recurring themes in his work, particularly the personal and political betrayals that define the lives of his characters.

His Real-Life Experience in Intelligence: He talks about his time in British intelligence (MI5 and MI6) and how it informed his understanding of the shadowy world of spies.

This program offers a rare glimpse into le Carré's mindset and creative philosophy. It is particularly valuable for fans and scholars interested in the intersection of his life experiences and his literary contributions.