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Reilly Ace of Spies

Prelude to War

This epic miniseries tells the true story of Sidney Reilly, the legendary super-spy who inspired James Bond. Sam Neill stars as the suave 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 flamboyant, ruthless and brilliant spy.

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Prelude to War

Season 1 Episode 2 | 50m 11s | CC

1904: Sidney Reilly passes information that enables the Japanese Fleet to sink the Russian Pacific Squadron, setting off the Russo-Japanese War. Reilly's wife, Margaret, leaves after her affair with Greenberg is discovered. Reilly is captured by the Russians and held as the Japanese attack begins.

Reilly Ace of Spies

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