The Russia House

"The Russia House" has Michelle Pfeiffer as a Soviet messenger who has a book manuscript written by a high-ranking Soviet scientist (Klaus Maria Brandauer), which details his country's military might. Pfeiffer attempts to contact book publisher Connery, but the manuscript is intercepted by British intelligence.

During a debriefing session, Connery's character is established as a small-time publisher who spends most of his time drinking and pontificating, often saying things he's not sure he really believes. On one occasion in the Soviet Union, he unknowingly impressed and inspired Brandauer to his action.

So the Brits (headed by James Fox) work with the CIA (headed by Roy Scheider) to use Connery, hoping his blossoming relationship with Pfeiffer will lead them to Brandauer and whether his information is correct.

Meanwhile, Connery and Pfeiffer fall in love.

Director Fred Schepisi ("A Cry in the Dark") and screenwriter Tom Stoppard ("Empire of the Sun") have made their story overly complex, especially in terms of flashbacks and dialogue. Ugly Americans get the worst treatment, and there are no clear villains.

But, by and large, the film is witty and intelligent, and the love story, which receives the bulk of attention, works very well. Connery and Pfeiffer are terrific together. And the location shooting in the Soviet Union is breathtaking.

"The Russia House" is rated R for profanity and vulgarity, most of it from Scheider, along with some implied sex and partial nudity a brief shower.