Britain's Greatest Codebreaker

Story

Synopsis

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.

Directors

Nic Stacey, Clare Beavan

Writers

Craig Warner

Language

English

Country

United Kingdom

Release date

17 October 2012

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  Ed Stoppard

  Alan Turing

• 

  Henry Goodman

  Franz Greenbaum

• 

  Paul McGann

  Himself - Narrator (voice)

• Asa Briggs

  Himself - Codebreaker, Bletchley Park

• Jean Valentine

  Herself - WRNS and Bombe Operator, Bletchley Park

• David Leavitt

  Himself - Alan Turing's Biographer

• Rolf Noskwith

  Himself - Codebreaker, Bletchley Park

• Dermot Turing

  Himself - Alan Turing's Nephew

• Christopher Morcom

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

• 

  Ian Stewart

  Himself - University of Warwick (as Professor Ian Stewart)