Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (TV Mini Series)

Tarr Tells His Story (1979)

Anthony Bate: Sir Oliver Lacon

Photos 

Quotes 

• Oliver Lacon : When you came to me a year ago with similar suspicions, I'm afraid I threw you out.

  George Smiley : You told me to abandon my enquiries, as they were unconstitutional.

  Oliver Lacon : Oh, was that the word I used? How very pompous of me.

• Oliver Lacon : It's the oldest question of all, George. Who can spy on the spies?

• Oliver Lacon : Fit, George? Natter? Garden? Super.

• Oliver Lacon : So I can tell the Minister you'll do it, can I? You'll take the job, clean the stables, go backwards, go forwards, whatever's necessary. It's your generation, your legacy.

• [last lines] 

  George Smiley : While you enjoy yourself, I shall visit Oxford, to look up an old and invaluable friend.

  Oliver Lacon : Please, don't take any unnecessary risks!

• George Smiley : Oh, I quite understand your position.

  Oliver Lacon : Thank you. After all, it's not every day one's head of secret service embarks on a private war against the Czechs.