Dagblaðið 18th January 1980

Út í óvissuna – television 21.15 Wednesday: Killing and fighting on Icelandic soil

The most significant part of next week’s television schedule without doubt is the British spy series Út í óvissuna [Running Blind], which was filmed in Iceland during the summer of 1978. In addition to the Icelandic landscape that characterises this spy film are Icelandic actors who undoubtedly play a major part in making the film of interest in this country.

The story begins in England. A former employee of British intelligence, Alan Stewart, is forced to deliver a parcel to Iceland. He is threatened that his old enemy, a Russian spy named Kennikin, will be told his location if he does not do what he is told. Also he will be told where to find his Icelandic girlfriend, who lives in Reykjavík.

Immediately Alan Stewart arrives in Iceland strange events begin to happen. On arrival he is told to go to Reykjavík by way Krýsuvík. The fighting begins on this journey and the action continues across the country.

The film is distinguished by further violence, murder and fighting. This fairly accurately describes the rest of the film. Út í óvissuna received mixed reviews in the British press. Nevertheless, Icelanders should still be able to enjoy the series since so much is familiar.

The series is in three episodes and is based on Desmond Bagley’s best-selling book, which has been published with Icelandic translation. The film’s director is William Brayne and the main parts are played by Ragnheiður Steindórsdóttir and Stewart Wilson.

In addition to them several Icelanders are also involved, e.g. Steindór Hjörleifsson, Harald G. Haraldsson, Arni Ibsen, Jóna Sverrisdóttir, Lilja Þórisdóttir, Jón Sigurbjörnsson and Flosi Ólafsson. There are also many other Icelanders who were in smaller roles, e.g. on the streets outside and inside restaurants. More will be said about the series from Wednesday.

-ELA

Image title: Filming of Út í óvissuna in Austurstræti during summer 1978. Image: DB Hörður

Also published is the following programme information:

Wednesday, 23. January 21:15: Out into the unknown

Út í óvissuna [Running Blind], a British spy series in three episodes, based on Desmond Bagley’s best-selling book of the same name, which has been published with Icelandic translation. Directed by William Brayne. Starring Stuart Wilson and Ragnheiður Steindórsdóttir. The series also includes other Icelandic actors e.g. Steindór Hjörleifsson, Harald G. Haraldsson, Arni Ibsen, Jóna Sverrisdóttir, Lilja Þórisdóttir, Jón Sigurbjörnsson and Flosi Ólafsson.

The first episode. Alan Stewart, a former employee of the British secret service, is forced to take a parcel to Iceland, otherwise his old arch-enemy, a Russian spy named Kennikin, will be told where he can find Alan and his Icelandic girlfriend Elín, who lives in Reykjavík.

Subtitles: Dóra Hafsteinsdóttir.

Notes