Defence of the Realm

Defence of the Realm

Year: 1985

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: David Drury

ActionThrillerPolitics and human rightsExciting spy thrillers with tense intriguePolitics propaganda and political documentaries

Reporter Mullen uncovers a scandal linking a senior MP to a KGB operative and a near‑nuclear incident involving a teenage runaway and a U.S. Air Force base. Suspecting a cover‑up, he joins veteran journalist Vernon Bayliss and the MP’s aide Nina Beckam, putting them in the crosshairs of powerful forces desperate to keep the truth hidden.

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Timeline & Setting – Defence of the Realm (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Defence of the Realm (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1980s

The film unfolds in the late Cold War era, a period of heightened suspicion and international tension. Nuclear weapons, foreign bases, and government secrecy shape the atmosphere and decisions of every character. Media pressure and state interests collide as journalists chase a story that could redefine national security.

Location

London, Brandon (near Thetford), United Kingdom

The story moves between the bustle of London, the political press hub, and the quiet, tightly guarded countryside around Brandon. Brandon’s village atmosphere becomes a stage for covert operations and a high-security USAF base scene. London provides the media pressure and public scrutiny that drive the investigation, while the Brandon location underscores the national-security stakes.

🏙️ Urban London 🌳 Rural Brandon

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:19

Main Characters – Defence of the Realm (1985)

Meet the key characters of Defence of the Realm (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nick Mullen (Gabriel Byrne)

An intrepid investigative journalist who links political scandal to national security. He pushes beyond official denials to uncover a deeper plot involving a high-security US base in the UK. His relentless pursuit brings him into conflict with editors, agents, and powerful figures who want the story silenced.

🕵️ Investigative Journalist 🗞️ Media Figure

Nina Beckman (Greta Scacchi)

Markham's secretary who becomes a crucial ally to Mullen. She holds and disseminates incriminating evidence, navigating loyalty, danger, and the temptation to reveal the truth. Her involvement intensifies the thriller as the stakes rise for everyone involved.

🗝️ Secret Keeper 🧭 Moral Compass

Dennis Markham (Ian Bannen)

A prominent MP whose loyalty is questioned as he becomes the center of a tabloid-style scandal. Targeted by media pressure, he is pushed toward resignation while entangled in a web of political intrigue and possible framing.

🏛️ Politician 🗞️ Scandal

Vernon Bayliss (Denholm Elliott)

An editor at the Daily Despatch who suspects a deeper motive behind the Markham affair and collaborates with Mullen to chase the truth. His pursuit is cut short by mysterious circumstances that hint at a larger conspiracy.

🗞️ Editor 🧭 Skeptical Ally

Anthony Clegg (Oliver Ford Davies)

A government-connected figure who appears to be a KGB link but is later revealed to be a British agent. He embodies the blurred lines between espionage, loyalty, and the manipulation of information.

🧭 Government Official 🧪 Source

Jack MacLeod (Bill Paterson)

A powerful newspaper owner-like figure who exerts influence to prevent publication of sensitive revelations. He anchors the theme of media power versus public interest.

🏛️ Media Mogul 🗂️ Influence

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:19

Major Themes – Defence of the Realm (1985)

Explore the central themes of Defence of the Realm (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏛️ Power & Secrecy

The plot revolves around hidden agendas within government and media, where secrets determine what the public learns. Officials and owners alike attempt to control information to protect national interests. The narrative exposes how power can shield wrongdoing and manipulate public perception. Tapes, sources, and covert ops reveal a labyrinth of deception behind official statements.

🗞️ Media & Truth

Journalists push to expose a national scandal despite censorship and pressure from powerful interests. Official Secrets Acts and editorial interference test the bounds of press freedom. The story examines whether truth can prevail when owners and officials conspire to suppress it. The pursuit of evidence, including incriminating documents, drives the drama.

⚖️ Ethics & Consequences

Pursuit of the truth collides with ethical boundaries and personal risk. Characters weigh public interest against national security and personal safety. The fallout—ranging from political resignation to attempted silencing—highlights the heavy costs of uncovering sensitive information. The narrative emphasizes how morally gray actions can have far-reaching, sometimes deadly, consequences.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:19

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Defence of the Realm Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Defence of the Realm, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Defence of the Realm Summary

Defence of the Realm Timeline

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Defence of the Realm Timeline

More About Defence of the Realm

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