The Fourth Protocol (1987)

An M15 officer (Michael Caine) finds himself caught between the acting director (Julian Glover) of M15, who dislikes him, and a high ranking British Secret Service official (Ian Richardson) when he suspects that the Soviets may be smuggling an atomic bomb into Great Britain. Meanwhile, a Soviet agent (Pierce Brosnan) is sent to do just that ..... smuggle an atom bomb to go off near an American airbase. Based on the novel by Frederick Forsyth (who adapts his novel for the screen) and directed by John Mackenzie (THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY). A well done but conventional cold war thriller that maintains a taut pacing throughout but fizzles its denouement. The acting is better than average for a movie like this especially Pierce Brosnan, who brings a chilly demeanor to his cold blooded assassin. There are some notable changes from the novel including a gender change for the assembler but as it's Joanna Cassidy, it's a welcome change. With Ned Beatty, Michael Gough, Ray McAnally and Betsy Brantley.