Harry Palmer Files – 002 – Ipcress File Board Game
Through July, or at least until I run out of things about which to talk, we’ll be looking at the Harry Palmer series of novels (in which the character doesn’t actually have a name), their author — Len Deighton, the films based on them, the star of those films — Michael Caine, and the television movies that followed. I will be re-reading the whole series of novels, re-watching the films, and giving my thoughts on all I encounter. I’ll inevitably be drawing heavily on the collection of Kees Stam, author of The Harry Palmer Movie Site, and Rob Mallows, creator of the Deighton Dossier, and other odds and ends that I’ve turned up over the years.
I first saw this item in a photograph advertising the Geppi’s Entertainment Museum of Baltimore and have been curious about it since. This week, I found one online in an ebay auction. I’ve contacted the seller, Joe, and he has kindly consented to let us use pictures of the board and game pieces here for our Harry Palmer discussion.
Joe’s auction for the complete game ends on July 7, and bidding currently rests at the low price of $25.00. Joe describes the game as follows:
“The IPCRESS File,” a board game issued in 1966 by Milton Bradley. Game No. 4643. A suspense / espionage game modeled after the popular 1965 British espionage film starring Michael Caine as “Harry Palmer, the cool
British agent,” and Len Deighton’s 1962 novel, “The IPCRESS File.”
- For 2 to 4 players
- For ages 10 to adult
- Object: Get the “Double Agent” before he gets you
- Average play time 25 minutes
The game is 100 percent complete. It includes board, 24 cards, four agent pieces, four stands (one for each agent piece), two red-and-gold dice and original box.
IPCRESS File game box
IPCRESS File game board
IPCRESS File game pieces
Another view of IPCRESS File game box
