Stream It on WITF Passport: Reilly Ace of Spies

• Christina Zeiders
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  Christina Zeiders is the Communications Specialist at WITF. She helps get the word out about all of WITF's programs, events and community conversations.

Reilly Ace of Spies tells the story of Sidney Reilly (born Sigmund Rosenblum in Odesa, Ukraine), the legendary super-spy who inspired James Bond. Watch the entire 12-part miniseries now with WITF Passport and the PBS Video app.

Sam Neill stars as the charming Reilly, who spied for Britain against his native Russia in the early 1900s, even plotting to overthrow Lenin. Against a backdrop of international politics and intrigue, the series depicts the life of this brilliant, flamboyant and ruthless spy.

The series, inspired by the 1967 book Ace of Spies by Robin Bruce Lockhart, was produced by Thames Television and premiered in 1983. Though it’s based on the true story of Reilly, the reality of his life and the legend of it are impossible to untangle. In a 1984 New York Times article, the series’ creator insisted that the miniseries be viewed as a drama, not a documentary.

Watch Reilly Ace of Spies now using your WITF Passport login and the PBS Video app. If you are not already a WITF Passport member, become one today with a gift of at least $5 a month or $60 a year. Learn more at witf.org/passport!