Defence of the Realm [1986]

Two hard-nosed reporters encounter corruption, intrigue and murder in director David Drury's tense political thriller – one of the last films released by British film mainstay The Rank Organisation. Starring Gabriel Byrne, Greta Scacchi, Ian Bannen and Denholm Elliott (who won a BAFTA for his performance) – and featuring cinematography from multiple-Oscar-winner Roger Deakins – Defence of the Realm is featured here as a brand-new transfer from original film elements in its original theatrical aspect ratio. Two reporters, Mullen and Bayliss, receive an anonymous tip-off on a breaking political scandal regarding an MP, a call girl and an East German military attache. But when Bayliss suddenly dies, Mullen realises that the story goes far deeper than anyone imagined.