This espionage thriller represents a landmark in spy movies introducing the sly, dry intelligence agent Harry Palmer. The story, centers on Palmer’s investigation into British Intelligence security. He’s soon enmeshed in a world of double-dealing, kidnap and murder and finds a traitor is operating at the heart of the secret service. Will the mysterious ‘Ipcress File’ reveal who the traitor is?

A shiftless dreamer, Michael Rogers (Hywel Bennett) fantasizes about a lifestyle above his means and marries a wealthy, young girl, Ellie Thomsen (Hayley Mills) who just came of age. They hire a famous architect to build their dream home amidst a series of suspicious incidents. The spouse has dark intentions toward his naive, inexperienced bride. Secrets from his past and sinister ties to their houseguest Greta (Britt Ekland), lead to a terrible turn of unexpected events.