To generations Arthur Ransome's books, including Swallows and Amazons, were an integral part of growing up. But was there a darker side to the author? In this drama-documentary, the enthusiastic Griff Rhys Jones follows a trail that begins in Russia, reveals close links with many leading Bolsheviks, an affair with Trotsky's secretary and previously unreleased KGB documents about Ransome. But was Ransome actually spying for the British secret service all along?

Cast

Griff Rhys Jones

Self / Presenter

Alina Karmazina

Evgenia Ransome

Simon Tcherniak

Arthur Ransome

Iain Agnew

Sir Basil Thomson

Paul Morrow

Foreign Office Clerk

Jo Freer

Ivy Ransome

Ana Thompson

Tabitha Ransome

Kalev Onnapnu

Red Army Officer

Ain Savinuk

White Army Officer