Eye of the Needle (1981)

85% of critics liked it
(13 reviews)
62% of users liked it
(3,788 ratings)

Having already been seen spying for the Nazis in 1979's The Eagle Has Landed, Donald Sutherland once more infiltrates wartime England on behalf of Der Fuhrer in Eye of the Needle. Willing to kill even the most innocent of bystanders to complete his task, Sutherland manages to remain in Britain until… More Having already been seen spying for the Nazis in 1979's The Eagle Has Landed, Donald Sutherland once more infiltrates wartime England on behalf of Der Fuhrer in Eye of the Needle. Willing to kill even the most innocent of bystanders to complete his task, Sutherland manages to remain in Britain until the eve of D-Day in 1944. Discovering that the invasion is to take place on Normandy, Sutherland scurries to rendezvous with a U-boat off the treacherous Isle of Storms. His mission is thwarted by Kate Nelligan, the frustrated wife of paralyzed RAF commander Christopher Cazenove. Though having fallen in love with Sutherland, Nelligan nonetheless prepares to turn the man in when he kills her husband. Tension mounts in the closing scene as Sutherland races against time to (a) make contact with the U-boat and (b) stop Nelligan before she blows the whistle on him. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 51 min.
Directed By: Richard Marquand
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Jul 24, 1981 Wide
On DVD: May 15, 2001
Studio: MGM Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Gregory Weinkauf, New Times
A lovely thriller, a gifted and prematurely departed director.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Eye of the Needle showcases the fine acting of Kate Nelligan.
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
A great thriller; Sutherland is tops and Nelligan is steely.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Randy T

Donald Sutherland is a ruthless German spy operating in war-torn England during WWII. He's relentless. He's cold-blooded. He must be stopped. What more do you need to know?
Andre T

Classic spy movie of ww2 based in a classic book by Ken Folett.

Cast

            Donald Sutherland as Faber

            Kate Nelligan as Lucy

            Ian Bannen as Percy Godliman

            Christopher Cazenove as David

            Barbara Ewing as Mrs. Garden

            David Hayman as Canter

            Alex McCrindle as Tom

            Philip Martin Brown as Billy Parkin

            Rupert Frazer as Muller

            David Ashton as Oban Radio Operator

            George Belbin as Mr. Rose

            John Bennett as Kleinmann

            Faith Brook as Mrs. Rose

            Patrick Connor as Inspector Harris

            Ellis Dale as Station Master

            Don Fellows as American Colonel

            Bill Fraser as Mr. Porter

            Jonathan Haley as Joe

            Stewart Harwood
            
            Michael Joseph
            
            Sam Kydd as Lock Keeper

            George Lee as Constable

            Arthur Lovegrove as Peterson

            Rik Mayall as Sailor

            Michael Mellinger as Portuguese Man

            Bill Nighy as Squadron Leader Blenkinsop

            John Paul as Home Guard Captain

            Stephen Phillips as Home Guard Corporal

            John Rees as German Naval Operator

            Colin Rix as Oliphant

            Richard Graydon as Home Guard Private

            Stephen MacKenna as Lieutenant

            Chris Jenkinson as German SS Officer

            Bruce White as Oban Policeman

            Alan Surtees as Col. Terry

            George Lee Clark
            
See full cast