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Feature film — 2012

Britain's Greatest Codebreaker (2012)

6.01h 24mDocumentary — Drama — History

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.

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A high-signal pick with 34 votes.

Story Center Films / Furnace / Channel 4 Television

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Director: Clare Beavan

On screen

Cast & crew

Ed Stoppard as Alan Turing

Ed Stoppard

Alan Turing

Henry Goodman as Franz Greenbaum

Henry Goodman

Franz Greenbaum

Paul McGann as Himself - Narrator (voice)

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 as Himself - University of Warwick (as Professor Ian Stewart)

Ian Stewart

Himself - University of Warwick (as Professor Ian Stewart)

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