Britain's Greatest Codebreaker

Overview

Alan Turing is the genius British mathematician who was instrumental in breaking the German naval Enigma Code during World War II, arguably saving millions of lives. Turing's achievements went unrecognised during his lifetime. Instead he ended up being treated as a common criminal, for being homosexual at a time when homosexual acts were a crime. In 1952, he was convicted of 'gross indecency' with another man and was forced to undergo so-called 'organo-therapy' - chemical castration. Two years later, he killed himself with cyanide, aged just 41. Alan Turing was driven to a terrible despair and early death by the nation he'd done so much to save.

Directed by Clare Beavan, Nic Stacey

Top cast

Ed Stoppard

Alan Turing

Henry Goodman

Franz Greenbaum

Paul McGann

Himself - Narrator (voice)

A

Asa Briggs

Himself - Codebreaker, Bletchley Park

J

Jean Valentine

Herself - WRNS and Bombe Operator, Bletchley Park

D

David Leavitt

Himself - Alan Turing's Biographer

R

Rolf Noskwith

Himself - Codebreaker, Bletchley Park

D

Dermot Turing

Himself - Alan Turing's Nephew

C

Christopher Morcom

Himself - Christopher Morcom's Nephew (as Christopher Morcom QC)

Ian Stewart

Himself - University of Warwick (as Professor Ian Stewart)

Details