---
title: "Defence of the Realm"
year: 1986
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/defence-of-the-realm-1986"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 29627
imdb_id: "tt0089009"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 96
community_rating: 6.3
vote_count: 44
content_rating: "PG"
---

# Defence of the Realm (1986) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/defence-of-the-realm-1986

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Topic: Film "Defence of the Realm" (1986).
Role: Meticulous television and film archivist.
Constraint 1: Write ONLY verifiable facts explicitly supported by the SYNOPSIS and SOURCES.
Constraint 2: No inventing/guessing (titles, names, dates, etc.).
Constraint 3: Original, neutral, encyclopedic prose in plain text.
Constraint 4: No markdown, no asterisks, no headings, no bullet points.
Constraint 5: Word count 150-190 words.
Constraint 6: First sentence must not contain spoilers.
Constraint 7: Use ONLY provided material.
Title: Defence of the Realm
Year: 1986
US Release Date: 09/06/1986
Rating: PG
Genres: Action and Thriller
Runtime: 1h 36m
Plot: A reporter named Mullen stumbles onto a story linking a prominent Member of Parliament to a KGB agent and a near-nuclear disaster involving a teenage runaway and a U.S. Air Force base. Questions arise about a Government cover-up. Mullen teams up with Vernon Bayliss (an old hack) and Nina Beckam (the MP's assistant) to find the truth.
Draft 1 (Mental Outline):
        Defence of the Realm is a 1986 action and thriller film with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. Released in the United States on September 6, 1986, the

## The Hook & The Verdict

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Fawesome | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads | Tubi TV | Apple TV Store |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Apple TV Store |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: David Drury
- **Networks / Studios**: Enigma Productions, The Rank Organisation, National Film Finance Corporation

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Gabriel Byrne** as *Nicholas 'Nick' Mullen*
- **Greta Scacchi** as *Nina Beckman*
- **Denholm Elliott** as *Vernon Bayliss*
- **Ian Bannen** as *Dennis Markham*
- **Fulton Mackay** as *Victor Kingsbrook*
- **Bill Paterson** as *Jack Macleod*
- **David Calder** as *Harry Champion*
- **Frederick Treves** as *Arnold Reece*
- **Robbie Coltrane** as *Leo McAskey*
- **Steven Woodcock** as *Steven Dyce*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream or watch Defence of the Realm online?
Defence of the Realm is currently available to watch or stream on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store. Check our live regional availability tracker above for latest direct streaming, subscription, rent, or purchase options.

### Q: Is Defence of the Realm worth watching?
Defence of the Realm holds a community rating of 6.3/10 based on 44 verified viewer ratings. It offers engaging Action, Thriller for fans of the genre.

### Q: How long is the movie Defence of the Realm and when was it released?
Defence of the Realm is a feature film with a runtime of 96 minutes. It was released in 1986. Release status: Released.

### Q: Who directed Defence of the Realm?
Defence of the Realm was directed by David Drury.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Defence of the Realm — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/29627)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*