The Secret Life of Arthur Ransome

Overview

To generations Arthur Ransome's books, including Swallows and Amazons, were an integral part of growing up. But was there a darker side to the author? In this drama-documentary, the enthusiastic Griff Rhys Jones follows a trail that begins in Russia, reveals close links with many leading Bolsheviks, an affair with Trotsky's secretary and previously unreleased KGB documents about Ransome. But was Ransome actually spying for the British secret service all along?

Directed by Andrew Thompson

Top cast

Griff Rhys Jones

Self / Presenter

S

Simon Tcherniak

Arthur Ransome

Alina Karmazina

Evgenia Ransome

I

Iain Agnew

Sir Basil Thomson

P

Paul Morrow

Foreign Office Clerk

J

Jo Freer

Ivy Ransome

A

Ana Thompson

Tabitha Ransome

K

Kalev Onnapnu

Red Army Officer

A

Ain Savinuk

White Army Officer

Details