Based on real events but dramatised for the screen, Operation Crossbow was later released as The Great Spy Mission and directed by Michael Anderson. The plot is set when World War II was drawing to a close and the Allies suddenly learn that the Nazi’s have technology which could potentially destroy entire cities using rockets. Head of British Intelligence services, General Boyd (John Mills) decides to infiltrate the factory to thwart the plan and sends in three engineers: Robert Henshaw (Tom Courtenay), Lieutenant John Curtis (George Peppard) and Phil Bradley (Jeremy Kemp). Operation Crossbow also features Anthony Quayle as the security guard who recognises Henshaw, Sophia Loren who has a cameo part as Nora, the wife of Erik van Ostamgen (the dead man whose identity is assumed by Curtis) and Sylvia Syms as Constance Babington Smith.

Release / Airing: 01/03/1965