Cambridge Spies

In the heady pre-war Cambridge of 1934, many of the students, born to the elite, chose to support the Communist cause. They were opposing the evil fascists Hitler, Mussolini and Franco in Spain. These boys seemed like they were on the side of the good, supporting the right of the waiters to strike and of gay people to love whom they chose. Into this picture walks four righteous young men, all to-the-manor born: Guy Burgess, Anthony Blount, Donald Maclean and Kim Philby. All played by gorgeous young British actors in this outstanding BBC 4-hour made-for-television movie. Expect male nudity, gay and straight sex and a very compelling story.

Guy Burgess is the most flamboyant of the four. He drinks too much and hangs out just a bit too long in public toilets. During college he's the leader who brings the rest of the boys into the communist fold. After college he gets a job at the BBC funneling information to the Russians. His love life is a mess and he drinks way too much, but we love him anyway. Guy leads a nude dive into the river on graduation day and we get a fleeting glimpse of him naked. There are lots of naked chests, butts and plenty of men in bed with each other. The BBC doesn't skimp on gay sex -- but don't expect QAF here -- it's all done rather tastefully.

His buddy Anthony Blount is next in with the Russians. He's also gay, but of the more genteel sort. He has sex, but it's more romantic and his job takes him into the Queen's home, he becomes the Queen's curator. When Mr. Blount fell, he's the one who made the headlines. We get some real nice shots of Anthony in bed. Have we mentioned that these boys are all gorgeous?
Kim Philby was next -- he was considered quite a catch. He's dashing, hetero and has a romantic streak that gets him in trouble - big trouble. He works for the foreign service.

Donald is the last in. Blond hair, stunning body and resolutely straight, he also works in foreign service. He's manipulated into the fold, and the character we get to know least.

The 2-disc DVD contains several excellent features that tell the story of the real spies in addition to the 4-hr movie. Very high production values, stunning actors, good gay sex and an addictive story make Cambridge Spies a great bet at a pretty amazing price.

Scott Cranin