A Cold War of Spies ambient background
CinebyCineby
A Cold War of Spies backdrop

A Cold War of Spies

A Cold War of Spies

2023•44m•C8•Documentary•War & Politics
Similars

They passed intelligence, intercepted communications, stole blueprints and mapped targets. But ultimately they drove the deep-seated paranoia and distrust that would forever change the course of history.

Daniel Oron · Director

Catherine Magpile · Writer

StatusEnded
Runtime44m
LanguageEN
First Air DateAug 21, 2023

Episodes

Episode 1 - Atomic SecretsE144m

Atomic Secrets

As WWII comes winding down, rising atomic fears set the stage for Soviet espionage efforts at the opening of the Cold War. An unspoken race begins with the USA, United Kingdom and the Soviet Union vying to create the world's first super-weapon. New York becomes a hotbed of spy games, and soviet spies like Rudolph Abel weave intricate legends so they can work deep undercover. As the Soviet Union falls, old clandestine programs and covert operations are brought to light thanks to a collection of files called the Mitrokhin Archives.

Aug 21, 2023

Episode 2 - Spies in the SkiesE244m

Spies in the Skies

In the midst of the Cold War, the desire to spy behind enemy lines leads to the development of some of the most sophisticated reconnaissance technologies the world has ever seen. The US finds a way into Soviet airspace through overflights of their top-secret stealth plane, the U-2. But the clock is ticking, and it's only a matter of time before the Soviets unravel the operation with the capture of American pilot Captain Gary Powers. With the start of the space race, engineers from former Nazi Germany are poached to help either side to make massive leaps in space exploration, using technology that will also be used as tools of war.

Aug 21, 2023

Episode 3 - On the Brink of DestructionE344m

On the Brink of Destruction

In the 1960s, both countries have a grip on nuclear weapons, but the imbalance between US and Soviet missiles is staggering. A fledgling communist government in Cuba provides the perfect opportunity for Premier Nikita Khrushchev to position missiles just off the shores of Florida. Through the help of former GRU officer turned CIA asset Oleg Penkovksy, the US learns of the Soviets' plans and must decide how to respond. Tensions rise as the risk of mutually assured destruction becomes all too real.

Aug 21, 2023

Episode 4 - The Battle Over Hearts and MindsE444m

The Battle Over Hearts and Minds

At the close of WWII, the West views Stalin's government as a threat to democracy, while Stalin sees America as an obstacle in winning the 'hearts and minds' of oppressed people everywhere. Communist leaders like Romania's Nicolae Ceausescu use everything from terrorist attacks to assassinations to shut down so-called "freedom radios." In the US, an organization called HUAC attempts to hunt down communist supporters, teetering between protecting American values and violating their civil rights. Long after the Berlin Wall falls, disinformation and propaganda campaigns continue to be used as tools to shift the ideological tides.

Aug 21, 2023

Actors

Doug Patteson

CIA Officer

Jesse McQueen

Lona Cohen

Michel Ruhl

Michel Ruhl

Russian Spy

Omar Tucci

Omar Tucci

Vasili Mitrokhin

Georgia Tannis

Ethel Rosenberg

Stu Arthur

Joseph Rosenberg

Robert James Hedge

Joseph Stalin

Chris Sellors

Stanislav Luniv

Christopher Sterling

CIA Courier

Recommendations

WWII in HD
World War II in Colour
Mysteries at the Museum
The War
American Experience
The World at War
America's Book of Secrets
The Story of Film: An Odyssey
How Do They Do It?
The Civil War
American Masters
Top Gear
The Reluctant Traveller with Eugene Levy
The American Revolution
Natural World
The Men Who Built America
The Circus
How It's Made
MegaStructures
Down to Earth with Zac Efron

Similars

Jules and Greg's Wild Swim
Murder in the Skies: Who Downed Mh17?
Along the Banks of the Yangtze
The Jinx
Love Storiyaan
30 Days
1000 Grad: Feuerwehr hautnah
Salisbury Poisonings: The Untold Story
21 Days
Suicide Cults
Night patrol
Why...?
NY Med
37 Grad
Dadolescence
Projeto Humanos
Live and Let Dai
XY gelöst
Maalaala Mo Kaya
Dr. Pimple Popper: Pop Ups