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My mini reviews of selected stories:
1 The Coming of Robin Hood - This is a brilliant opening story that sets the tone for the series. The return of Robin, hero of the Crusades, but now homeless thanks to the edict of Prince John, and his local agent, a certain Sheriff
2 The Moneylender - A debt collector (Leo McKern) lends at 100% interest. Robin returns the excess interest to its payees, much to their surprise. But this story is
principally about how Robin becomes leader of the Sherwood Forest outlaws.
3 Dead or Alive - A "7 foot oaf" is offered his freedom if he captures an outlaw, but Robin proves too wily for Little John
9 Checkmate - Naughty Count de Waldern (Leslie Phillips) thinks he's teaching Lady Marian how to play chess, but what he really wants is to play Love. On the other hand, she's really there to string him along whilst Robin rescues the Count's prisoners from his "impregnable" castle
20 Errand of Mercy- Many of the poor people are down with St Anthony's
Fire, so Robin creeps into Nottingham with some herbs for Anselm the Apothecary
(Hal Osmond). The sherrif gets wind of Robin's mission and surrounds the area-
"what a pleasure it'll be to hang him!" However Robin eludes capture when the
sherrif's soldiers, "cowardly dogs," refuse to go near the plague victims.
But with Robin injured, it looks like curtains. Indeed, out of the gates he is carried,
in the Death Cart.... but then a miraculous recovery!
47 Isabella - Princess Avice (Helen Cherry). wife of Prince John, requests Robin come to the Tower of London. For John has "a special arrangement with heaven" to allow him to marry a French princess (Zena Walker). Robin is asked to warn off this "unsuspecting child," though what he actually finds is a "she-wolf" who brings John a fine wedding gift, Robin himself "to be burned at the stake." Avice gets him out of jail and the wedding is stopped single handedly by our hero
72 The Mystery of Ireland's Eye- Robin and Tuck have a week off from Sherwood as they help Marian find her uncle who's gone missing on an Irish isle terrorised by
Rolf (as this is Ireland. this must be Eddie Byrne)
76 Path of True Love -
Lionel Jeffries playing a baddie! It seems improbable, but he's Sir Charles, usurper of Robin's family home Locksley.
He plays it as a dithering incompetent. But underneath he's sly, turfing the tenants off 'his' land. Yet, if they could clean Locksley by Lady Day, in law they'll be entitled to keep their
tenancies in perpetuity. Robin helps them get into his old castle to give it a spring clean whilst Lady Marian distracts Sir Charles. No Merry Men in this tale.. had the Sherriff finally captured them?
79 The Salt King - Bad Lord Guthrie is upping the price of salt with connivance from the sheriff. Robin buys fresh supplies from the seaside which Tuck then gives away in Nottingham. However the sheriff impounds Tuck's supply which Robin has to nick back. Dressed as a Salt Diviner, he incredibly finds salt on Lady Marian's land- actually not so surprising as he'd put there in the first place
80 A Tuck in Time
81 Pepper - Rescuing an impressionable princess blinded by love for King John, Robin comes face to face with John inside The Tower of London
82 The Charter- "Incredible," but King Henry I's lost charter curbing the power of tyrant kings is wanted by the Sheriff - to destroy, of course! Robin plucks it from right under the Sheriff's nose
91 Christmas Goose-
Sir Leon (Jack Watling) presides at the trial of a boy's goose. Improbable, but a nice story with the prosecuting baliff (Paul Eddington) pitted against Friar Tuck. When the goose is sentenced to
execution, it's up to Robin to rescue it. In a neat plan, he gets at Sir Leon's Achilles heel, his only daughter (Jane Asher), and it's a happy Christmas Day ending, exit laughing....
94 The Profiteer
103 The Ghost that Failed -A ghost with "moaning and the sound of iron chains" is frightening peasants, But Little J and F Tuck "keep a calm mind" and prove it's only Rupert Davies. Little J dresses as a ghost to teach him a lesson but rain rather spoils the illusion
112 The Fire
122 The Devil you don't know-
A poignant moment as the Sheriff bows out, giving his new deputy Ralph a last lesson in how not to catch Robin Hood. Alan-a-Dale has been taken prisoner, and Ralph plans to use him as bait to trap Robin.
Indeed Robin is lured into the inner sanctum of the castle but Ralph's unscrupulous treatment of Lady Marian brings out the gentleman in the retiring Sheriff, even at the cost of losing his prized outlaw
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A series of 39 stories made at Walton and Twickenham Studios cashing in on the success of the Robin Hood series.
No one has adequately explained why Alec Clunes disappears after the first stories.
Clunes certainly seems to have been the intended star, for prints exist of the opening titles which announce him as the star.
Publicity in Spring 1956 stated he was the "main character," a reformed pirate now a governor, and that "every episode will show
one more pirate being 'put down.'"
But, having said that, it's fair to say Robert Shaw makes a fine swashbuckler, everyone's idea of a jolly pirate. For the outdoor scenes, the ship from the film
Moby Dick was used, moored at Falmouth, and several scenes were shot on the river there. But although the indoor sets were well constructed, they look terribly stagey,
providing awkward transitions from the filmed material to 'live' shots, and somehow the wide open spaces are never quite conveyed in the claustrophobic studios.
In fact Robert Shaw admitted, "I have never been outside the studio," as his double shot all the exterior scenes in Cornwall. He was paid £10,000 for the series, under a seven year contract, pay rising annually. Shaw explained, "I started on what is regarded as a comparatively low rate, because I was absolutely no-one."
Question: Who played Lt Beamish who, a bit like Alec Clunes, disappears during the series' run? Answer.
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Blackbeard
In the year of our Lord 1718, Captain Woodes Rogers, the new governor of the Bahamas,
has come to offer the King's Pardon to all pirates. He's sympathetic to their current plight, being once a privateer himself,
and he rejects Captain Beamish's suggestion to flush them out with guns.
This peaceable man lands with a small band at the stronghold of Nassau, where pirates are disputing among themselves over the latest booty.
The argument is settled by Blackbeard (George Margo), who snatches the lot for himself.
News of the pardon is received with mixed responses. Blackbeard has his own opinion- he spits on the governor's declaration.
The old governor (Alfie Bass), who had in fact appointed himself to the job, considers the pirates "good lads," and some are convinced by Rogers' reputation
and are amenable to the truce.
They hold an assembly chaired by the eccentric old governor.
Blackbeard of course is all for cutting the throat of the king's flunkey.
But Ben and his supporters are for accepting the pardon, and the result is inevitable, pistols at ten paces.
Rogers steps in and refuses to permit them to duel. Instead, he duels with Blackbeard who beats a quick retreat.
The impetuous Cpt Beamish is tricked by the fleeing Blackbeard into launching an attack from his ship, firing cannons at the fort which is Rogers'
headquarters. He soon discovers his error.
Menu for The Buccanneers
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The Raider
Van Brugh (Alec Mango), a prominent planter on the island, strangely rejects Captain Woodes Rogers' invitation to join a Council formed to set the pardoned ex-pirates to work.
Once a pirate, always a pirate is his attitude. And when Charley Vane starts firing at the town from his pirate ship, it seems he is right.
At the Council meeting, which van Brugh has finally been persuaded to join, against Woodes Rogers' advice, it is decided that Governor Woodes-Rogers should give chase in the Delicia,
and bring Vane in to face justice. The governor is not keen however, as it means leaving the fort unguarded. However, with a bit of trickery,
he persuades the lazy ex-pirates, lead by Benjy, to strengthen the battered fort.
Treachery! Vane is in league with van Brugh. The two are out of pocket now that they can no longer use the island for their smuggling acitivities. As soon as the governor has set sail,
Vane is to attack and hold the fort. But van Brugh's wife (Jane Griffiths) warns Cpt Rogers, and he is ready for the attack.
"This is going to be easy," Charley Vane tells his men as they move on the fort. But they are in for a shock. Realising he has been outmanoeuvred, Vane runs for it across the dunes, and on the beach he fights to the death with the governor.
End of Charley Vane.
Van Brugh has to feign enthusiasm as he joins in the town's celebrations.
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Captain Dan Tempest
"Trouble," in the shape of Lolita the ship of Captain Dan Tempest. He's sailed back to New Providence to see his girl Lolita and bring her dazzling tokens of his love, treasures from Peru
taken from a Spanish ship. He has not accepted the King's Pardon, and so is under arrest, at least according to Governor Woodes Rogers. "Soft bellied cowards," Tempest brands the ex-pirates who have settled down peaceably, but a swordfight ends in Tempest's
arrest and confiscation of the treasure. He's sentenced to death. End of series?
The governor offers him a pardon if he agrees to settle down. And now Dan "don't look like the same man," as he builds himself a nice house and then carries off Lolita (his girl, that is) to settle down there. But she's not enamoured of his new
landlubber way of life and rejects his offer of marriage.
So Dan gathers up some of his old crew and retakes Lolita (the ship this time). However Woodes Rogers is on board, having anticipated what would happen, and Dan Tempest
is persuaded to transport goods to Charleston to help the colony's finances. Lt Beamish, "that stuffed monkey," joins the crew of the Lolita, just in case Tempest tries anything. Though how the gullible Beamish could stop anything at all is rather doubtful.
At Charleston Beamish accepts a mere £5 for the cargo, but Tempest is made of shrewder stuff and the price is upped and upped, until £75 is finally agreed. On the return journey, here sails the ship of Blackbeard! Tempest's ex-pirates are all for joining the villain, but with Beamish's aid,
and a cannon, Blackbeard has to beat a retreat.
Safely back in New Providence, Dan is now "spoken for," for Lolita has agreed to marry him.
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Dan Tempest's War With Spain
Not by any stroke could Robert Shaw's singing here be described as tuneful. Still, Dan Tempest is contented, before, that is,
he reads the note from his Lolita: "Not Cut Out to Cook." She's sailed off to Jamiaca. Coincidentally, it seems, Woodes Rogers has also departed for the same island and out of the series, leaving
Captain Edward Beamish in charge of New Providence.
Dan and his old pirate crew always knew they were not "cut out for this life"- and they start brawling, and end up in jail.
Tired of waiting for their trial, it's an awfully simple job to blow a hole in their cell wall and escape.
Captain Beamish is receiving a delegation of Spaniards who have arrived in harbour in their ship the Esperanza.
Pompously, the smug new governor receives his visitors, only to learn that they are taking control of his kingdom. Spain is at war again! "Resistance is impossible."
But the crew left behind on the Esperanza are soon cowering when Tempest and his three buddies drop in. They are away on their life of adventure again.
But Tempest changes his plans when he sees the Spanish flag hoisted on the fort. He resolves to retake the island.
The ship is set adrift, which draws the Spanish delegation out to sea, and some are sunk, others put to the sword. The Spanish occupation has fizzled out.
Ironically, Dan greets Beamish who has been locked in his prison. Dan generously gives him the credit for the victory, and the pair join forces.
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The Wasp
Captain Beamish is composing a modestly boastful report of his governorship of New Providence,
when his serenity is shattered by a pirate ship firing at his fort. Blackbeard and his men are making off with rum leaving Beamish and his men
"tied down like a bunch of rabbits."
Dan Tempest now has the authority to deal with these marauders, for Woodes Rogers has just sent an official order appointing him as patroller of the seas around New Providence.
One lad from the belligerent ship's crew is taken prisoner. He's nicknamed The Wasp (Wilfred Downing, overacting).
Beamish is impressed by his excuses, that Blackbeard had pressed him into piracy. He releases him from jail so he can work as cabin boy under Dan.
"No monkey busienss," Dan warns him and gives him a few much needed lessons on board ship. Swabbing the decks, cleaning the cannons soon has
The Wasp deserting to return to his former master Blackbeard,
armed with some useful information about Dan, and the offer to take up privateering alongside Dan.
The Wasp acts as go-between, arranging a meeting between the two men, out at sea, off Turtle Bay, alone.
Of course, Blackbeard is full of cunning, and springs his trap to take Dan and The Wasp prisoners. But the lad sees the error of his ways and helps Dan turn the tables, despite heavy odds against them.
They leap off Blackbeard's ship, and back to New Providence.
Beamish reprimands The Wasp, but it's Dan who naturally has the last laugh,
and the pair join forces.
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Whale Gold
"Scum and seaweed" has Dan drawn up from the sea, but to trained eyes, it's ambergris. "Once you get whale gold fever," warns the wily
Pat (Noel Purcell), "you're not human any more." That's the corny theme for this tale.
Pat senses "a big strike" on the shore, "so big I can't even lift it." But its great value does lead to the predicted greed, against Captain Dan Tempest's
rule to Share and Share Alike.
Stealing away from the boat, on to Whale Gold Island, Pat secretly commences cooking the ambergris, with Grimes as his partner, though Sykes gets wind of their scheme and demands his cut. "It's whale gold fever," sighs Pat.
Now some of it has been cooked, it smells so much nicer. Dan and the remainder of the crew of the Sultana are after the trio. In a cave they are still cooking, but fall out, Sykes running off with what has already been cooked.
As he swims away, sharks put an early end to his flight.
Grimes and Pat also argue and there is an explosion, caused by the rum being used in the process. Then there was one- Pat is left, and Dan finds him lying alone in the cave.
"I've got the whale gold fever," he again moans pathetically- pathetic also is the word for this tale. Even the fine Noel Purcell isn't convincing in this part that was made for him.
But Dan forgives him, so I suppose, so must we.
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Slave Ship
George, Ernest and Sam are three slaves who rebel against their master's harsh treatment. They escape to the river, pursued by hounds, and flee in a rowing boat.
Narrowly, they miss the gunfire from New Providence and drift out into the open sea. But desperate for victuals, when they sight a British ship,
they creep on board by night and have a surprise takeover from the lax crew and Captain Scobie, who are set adrift in an open boat.
However the three are no experts in seamanship, but they have a stroke of luck when they realise this is a slave ship.
A ready made crew, who are released, and who gratefully take on their share of the tasks.
News of the piracy is relayed to Lt Beamish. Dan Tempest sails to recapture the ship, now renamed The Liberty.
Captain George, alias Savage Bill, and his crew put up strong resistance, but are finally subdued. We're not real pirates, explains Ernest,
though Dan is rather impressed that these three could have overcome a whole ship's crew. Dan shows them clemency and allows them to row away to freedom.
However he does relieve Ernest of the 1,000 coins he has plundered off Captain Scobie.
The ship with its slaves, Dan returns to New Providence.
The slaves also receive kindness from Dan, who enters a bidding war for the slaves, making a very high bid of 1,000 coins for them, though as this was Captain Scobie's cash, it's
not so generous. He frees all the slaves to enter paid work on the plantation.
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Gunpowder Plot
The Black Corsair's pirate raid on New Providence nearly exhausts their supply of gunpowder. Dan Tempest sets sail for Jamaica with a requistion for more powder, and he'll not take no for an answer.
The problem is that "it's red tape that holds the Empire together," according to wise old governor (Andre Morell), and he refuses Dan's request.
All Dan can do is deliver a letter to the governor's daughter, the fair Meg (Pamela Wright), from her secret admirer, one Lt Beamish.
But Dan is not going away empty handed if he can help it. He schemes a fake pirate raid by capturing a man o' war and Armando is left in charge to fire dummy cannonballs at the town, while Dan and Gaff guided by Dicken who
has pretended to be a castaway, help themselves to the powder, while attention is distracted by the cannonballs. Dan even has the time to stamp Beamish's requisiton himself, though Meg catches him at it and is going
to sound the alarm when a kiss from Dan is enough to persuade her otherwise.
So Dan and his men return safely to the Sultana and sail back to New Providence with their gunpowder.
"My heartiest congratulations," beams Lt Beamish.
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The Ladies
"Canary bird" Dan Tempest is singing again. He's happy. While his crew are despondent, until the news spreads that
the ship The Caroline will be sailing into New Providence on Wednesday. Her cargo- new settlers, women!
Soon Taffy is building a "nest" for "a pretty little petticoat," anyone, "I'm not particular." Gaff however approaches the whole affair more cautiously.
One sailor, Cranstone, reports to his old boss, Blackbeard, of the new arrivals. Blackbeard is interested.
To stir up trouble, Cranstone also tells Lt Beamish of what Blackbeard is planning. Well, he is rather forced to tell under pressure
from Gaff and Armando.
Cpt Hawkins (Roy Purcell) is in charge of The Caroline and dismisses Dan's warning of a raid by Blackbeard, "tie 'em up and throw them in the hole."
But it's easy for Dan to turn the tables and he tries to convince Hawkins of the impending danger, "we have to trust one another."
Amid some ogling from a few of the ladies, the new settlers are transferred to Dan's ship, The Sultana. However Christine (Petra Davies), daughter of Cpt Hawkins,
doesn't trust Tempest and remains hidden on The Caroline.
Dan and most of his crew also stay on this ship, dressed as the women settlers, ready for Blackbeard.
Even beards have to be shaved off to make them look passably genuine!
So Blackbeard is in for a shock! "What about the ladies?" he asks Hawkins as he leaps on board. An unusual swordfight follows,
petticoats v pirates.
Inevitably a gloating Blackbeard stumbles upon Christine, "I love a girl with spirit." But Dan hurtles to her rescue, promising the pirate leader,
"I'll cut you in two." He doesn't quite do that, but Blackbeard does have to beat a hasty retreat with his men all tied up.
The women arrive safely in New Providence, time doesn't permit us to see any more sadly.
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The Surgeon of Sangre Rojo
1722- Lt Beamish writes for help as an epidemic is sweeping New Providence.
He declares a state of martial law. One victim is the Sultana's cabin boy, Dickon, so Dan rows him ashore, then, despite Beamish's
quarantine order, sets sail in search of a surgeon. Armando accompanies him, as his daughter Angeline is also ill, and their plan is to disguise
themselves as Indians.
Thus they land at a Spanish settlement. At the word 'epidemic,' the Spaniards all flee from them, and they find a doctor. Don Francisco, at point of a gun, is obliged
to agree to come and treat the victims. The Spanish pursue them, their cannonballs feebly splashing in the water and limply on to the faces of the pursued.
Francisco realises Dan is English and is not at all happy with their subterfuge, but nobly agrees to treat the patients. He diagnoses typhus, "where there's fleas, there's typhus," so there's a
bit of comedy as everyone on the Sultana has to be decontaminated- ducked in the sea, and their hair cut.
Dan traces the episdemic to pompous Van Brugh's warehouse, and has to set fire to the place.
So Dickon is cured, as is Angeline. The surgeon's work is done, and unofficially, he is allowed to return to his own people
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Before the Mast
The Felicity is to bring much needed supplies from Barbados to New Providence. But the Spanish are lying in wait for her.
Six of the enemy row ashore, and there's a row at the inn, for drink is in short supply, so angry pirates are served with turpentine. This makes them all easy prey to the Spaniards.
The crew of the Sultana are their next target. But Dickon reaches Captain Dan Tempest to warn him, though while he is gambling with Lt Beamish, already part of the ship has been set on fire. Brave Dan
hastily removes most of the powder magazines from the flames as the men douse the fire. But one barrel does explode and the Sultana has to sail hurriedly to land to repair the damage.
"Out of commission for two or three days." During that time, the Felicity will be at the mercy of the enemy.
Lt Beamish helps Dan fix himself up with a beard and an eye patch, so he can impersonate One Eye, a traitor for the Spaniard cause. Dan joins the Spanish crew in this guise, so he can sabotage their ship. Dickon stows away on board too.
The perceptive Spanish captain El Supremo, however, thinks that One Eye "reminds me of someone."
But who?
Dickon is suspected of the sabotage and is readied to be thrown overboard, a ball and chain tied to him. But Dan's cutting of the mainsail convinces El Supremo that Dickon can't be the saboteur, and now suspicion is turned to 'One Eye.'
You feel nearly sorry for the noble but bamboozled El Supremo, as his chance at the Felicity seems to have blown away. But hope for him is renewed when Dan, alias One Eye is captured at last, He's to be given the thrown overboard treatment. And this time,
his hands tied, he is actually thrown overboard. But the knots are not tight enough, and Dan wriggles free.
The repaired Sultana, under orders from Beamish, attacks El Supremo and "gives them a broadside they'll never forget." Luckily, Dickon has jumped into the sea as the powder magazine on the Spanish ship goes up in flames. Back on the Sultana, Dickon and Dan are safe and sound
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Dan Tempest and The Amazons
"I want the dock clean," orders the blustering Lt Beamish. He is talking about clearing all the rubbish in the streets, but maybe he also means Dan's men who are brawling over a woman. Dan's solution to the men's frustraion is blindingly simple, "More Women."
He means, so they can do the cooking.
It so happens that the ship of French pirate captain Delacour, The Tigress, is running into New Providence. Is he to be trusted when he offers seven English women for sale for £2,000?
Normally he'd sell his own grnadmother if he could. "It's a bargain," declares the eager Gaff to doubtful Beamish. The reason for Delacour's willingness to sell becomes evident, for the girls, lead by Abbie (Joan Sims) have displayed an unexpected spirit, and overcome the
remaining crew on The Tigress. "The rats are abandoning ship," leaving the women to sail away, Dan in pursuit.
The ladies land on an island and start firing at Dan's men. Gaff attempts an ill-considered raid and is taken as hostage. However one of the girls, Mollie, takes a shine to him. He does to her too.
For once even the mighty Dan Tempest is flummoxed. But Abbie isn't, for she drives them "loco" with the smell of cooking, and worse, cuts Dan's ship loose.
Dan is man enough to see there is only one course open, a strategic surrender he calls it.
Together, Dan, Abbie and the rest sail for New Providence. Abbie demands that if they stay, they are treated well and that this port is maintained "clean and respectable." An aim to which Beamish heartily concurs. He likens their understanding to the Magna Carta!
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Articles of War
"They should be thankful they have fish," pronounces Lt Beamish pompously. But Dan's men are simply sick of such a repetitive diet. They "hate the sight of" yet more fish. Trouble is, the limited amount of meat left in the colony has to be fed to the sick, and the British sense of fair play ensures
that sick Spanish prisoners of war receive rations of meat rather than them.
Gaff and Co dream up a scheme to set the prisoners free but the scheme is foiled and they receive
a ticking off from Beamish. The unsympathetic Dan even adds, "it won't hurt us not to eat meat."
Under flag of truce Cpt Hernandez (Eric Pohlman) lands in Nassau to ask for the return of prisoner Count Pedro, first cousin of the Spanish queen. The alternative is that he will attack the next food ship which will be bringing fresh supplies of beef.
Gaff decides on another scheme. Armando dresses up as the Spanish count and announces himself on Hernandez's galleon. Soon the lads will be tasting red juicy meet again.
But Hernandez sees through their subterfuge and Armando is put behind Spanish bars. If Dan tries any funny business, he will be thrown to the sharks!
"I'll teach those blanket-heads the meaning of discipline," Dan swears, when news of Gaff's miserable plot reaches him. But a swap of Count Pedro for Armando seems the only way forward.
However, Armando succeeds in breaking out of his imprisonment and as a parting gift, blows up the Spanish ship. All the Spaniards are captured. But that means yet more Spanish mouths to feed
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The Hand of The Hawk
Sid James makes a welcome appearance, and even sings Rio Grande in the Fountain of Youth.
Chantey Jack he is, with plenty o' seafarin' tales. However at present he hasn't even
"a bent farthing" so kind Dan Tempest buys him some soup.
He is served by Costellaux, who bears an uncanny resemblance to his counterpart in modern day Lead Balloon (Michael, played by Tony Gardner).
Jack sings for his supper, a song which warns Beware iof the Hand of the Hawk. Enter Captain Flask (Anthony Dawson), and Chantey Jack scarpers, petrified. Not even time to finish his soup.
He is able to tell Dickon about a treasure map of Cat Island, just before he's done in.
Dickon tries to tell Dan, but he's unaccountably too busy to listen, so the lad swims out to Flask's ship The Peacock, alone. Yes, he spots that Cpt Flask has a hawk tattooed on his hand. The Peacock is bound for Cat Island, Flask lands first, though he seems tormented by the singing of the late Chantey Jack. Dickon also swims ashore to find the captain digging in a cave. "I've been waiting years for this."
Dickon starts a-singing through the echoing cave. Flask panics afore he realises it's only a lad singing. He forces Dickon to carry the treasure chest, but more singing interrupts them. This time it sounds like Dan. Flask panics, randomly shooting, that inevitably causes the cave to cave in and he is buried.
The monotonous song is repeated once more back at The Fountain of Youth, Dickon singing this time. The nature of the treasure, standing proudly in the inn, is never revealed
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Marooned
Celebrating the king's birthday, Dan and his men fail to notice thieves helping themselves to provisions from the warehouse. That likeable villain Clip West (Bill Owen) is behind the raid.
Phineas Bunch (Willoughby Goddard- "I've wasted away a bit") is first to spot the theft and Dan and his crew are soon setting sail in pursuit. There's a battle royal, well a battle anyway, "prepare for full broadsides." Very quickly West's ship has sunk, "good shooting Tempest," cries the sporting West.
But though in irons, "Clip West isn't finished yet." He flatters the impressionable Bunch and promotes him to captain. Bunch releases the prisoners and Dan is marooned on a lonely island. "I'll get you for this, Bunch, and clap you in irons," Dan promises.
On the island, a raft is constructed, and Dan and his men paddle to Needle Island, West's hideout. By imitating fierce dogs, they hope to get the robbers to come into the open and fight, but in fact the thieves are arguing among themselves and are fighting each other.
Thus West, Bunch and the thieves are captured easily, and Dan puts them to work on his ship. "Three months," cries Dan eyeing the wretched Bunch, "and I'll have this man slim as a marlin spike!" Sad to relate, we don't see that happy day, but clearly Mr Willoughby Goddard was able to enjoy a laugh at himself
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Gentleman Jack and the Lady
A story improved by the presence of Hazel Court as a pirate with style.
A Spanish ship is sighted. Attack, cries Dan, but also after the prize is a rival French ship out of New Orleans, Captain Gentleman Jack in charge. The "two tough coconuts" exchange banter. "Coconuts have a tough shield," notes the wily Jack, "but if you crack 'em hard enough, they spill milk." But it is Dan who sneaks on board the Spanish galleon first, overpowers the crew and forces Jack to yield.
Perhaps Jack's crew are correct in murmuring that Jack is scared of the great Dan Tempest. Yet the truth is rather different, for Jack isn't really all he seems, he's a lady, Miss Anne Bonny. And she is laying her plans to snatch the Spanish ship herself.
Dan's crew are celebrating their victory at The Fountain of Youth. Our lady enters, all eyes on her. She makes eyes at Dan but issues the challenge, "your piracy is a violation of the alliance between England and France." She can charge Dan with piracy, the thing he has renounced- allegedly. But to avoid this she proposes settling the matter "like men"(!). By dice, in fact. She gets out her dice and rolls five sixes. Yes, loaded dice. But Dan knows that ruse.
So "the living mermaid" tries feminine wiles. Lt Beamish, he is putty in her hands. She doesn't have to do much for him to agree to this assignation with him. Then she tries her tears on Dan himself, and elicits a promise to meet in the moonlight after supper.
So there are these two handsome men, all dressed in their finery, off to meet her, in a comedy scene, familiar, yet entertainingly done. But at the tryst, they meet only the other for Anne, alias Gentleman Jack, has sailed away with the Spanish galleon. The only comfort is, she hasn't got the cargo, which had been landed ashore.
She leaves behind two posies, one for Dan, one for Beamish, to round off the fun
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Mr Beamish and the Hangman's Noose
It had to come, poor Lt Beamish's "heart isn't in it," raising an eleven gun salute for his replacement, the new governor. Capt Mainwaring (Lewis Gedge) is the man, and he's nothing like his Dad's Army namesake, except he is "a strict disciplinarian."
Taking exception to the "ruffians," the ex-pirates, he arrests Beamish on a charge of piracy, for associating with these cutthroats. Court martial in London faces him, so Dan Tempest speaks up for him to this "popinjay." Against Dan's better judgement, his crew try to release Beamish, but they are spotted. In his ship's cabin, Dan is arrested, but Blackbeard's treasure map has been deliberately left to be found. Mainwaring grabs the bait, though he finds Dan has naughtily removed any way of identifying the location. "There isn't any hidden treasure," Beamish honestly tells the new governor. The grasping Mainwaring agrees to free his two prisoners, in return for the latitude and longitude of the treasure island. However it turns out no fair deal, as Beamish and Tempest are kept in their cell. Mainwaring sails off to dig up his fortune, leaving behind his partner in crime, Van Brugh, as temporary governor.
A warring Spanish ship changes everything. Dan and his crew are needed to repel the invaders, so the prisoners are freed. The Formidable, Admiral Bingham's vessel, helps in routing the enemy, but the admiral is far from pleased to find his new governor is away on Desert Island, treasure hunting. Thus Beamish is reinstated, and the "flimsy" charges instigated by Van Brugh dropped.
The Buccanneers
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Dead Man's Rock
Most interesting as this script which centres on Lt Beamish seems more suited to the original character of Woodes Rogers, even the way Beamish is dressed is akin to that of the ex-governor.
It starts with Beamish mysteriously burning secret orders he has received from the Admiralty.
Next he orders The Sultana be given a facelift. It's just unfortunate that a Spanish man o' war attacks New Providence with Dan Tempest's ship in dry dock. But rather oddly, a flag of truce is hoisted, just as things are looking grim. Captain Hernando Rodriguez (Richard Pasco) has one simple demand, one prisoner, namely Lt Beamish. "You flatter me," gasps Beamish, as Dan tries to hide a smile. If the acting governor does not give himself up, the town will be razed to the ground.
But why do they want Beamish? It seems related to the secret orders. Beamish can't see the town destroyed and perceives it his duty to submit, though Dan is more a fighting man, "we'll see 'em to the devil."
Beamish accordingly hands himself over quietly, though young Dickon tries to dissuade him, and is taken prisoner also. They are removed to an impregnable Cuban fortess. "No man has ever come out of these dungeons alive."
But Armando introduces Dan to an old man, "well over 100," who helped build this bastion. He knows a secret or two.
Down in the depths of the dungeons, Beamish is spouting Shakespeare to educate the young and ignorant lad. Then he is brought before Rodriguez to give up his knowledge of the secret orders. It is related to a British envoy who is coming to make an alliance with British alllies against the Spanish. Beamish must reveal all, or Dickon will suffer. Our gallant Beamish remains silent.
By climbing a creeper, Dan and Armando penetrate the stronghold- I'm unclear why they needed to consult the old man to find out this information. The guards are overcome, keys snatched and other prisoners released, including Dickon and Beamish. Before they escape, Beamish has to challenge Rodriguez to a duel, "well done, Mr Beamish." There was only ever going to be one winner
The Buccanneers
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Blood Will Tell
Gresham Isle could, according to solicitor Sir Gilbert Pym (Willoughby Goddard), fall into Spanish hands, for it has not been possible to trace the heir to the estate, Sir Percy.
Gaff had sailed with Peg Leg, who had abducted the young Percy, and according to him the lad fell into Davy Jones' locker. So who is this who claims to be Sir Percy? According to Dickon, the supercilious imposter is really Dogfish.
This Percy and his servant Bellows are really in league with Van Brugh.
"Who's to say you're not Percy Gresham?" ponders Dan looking at young Dickon., and the scheme is born. But Beamish's conscience won't allow him to employ deception.
But despite this, Dickon is trained into the aristocracy, learning the art of fencing, poetry reading, and even dancing, though sadly we don't see this.
Then both Sir Percies present themselves to Sir Gilbert. "I shall see Lord Percy, both of them, together," he decides in his wisdom. 'Tis an "embarrassment of riches," but wily Sir Gilbert has a trump card. Percy's old nanny, Nan Y Macao examines them both, neither is Percy she is fairly sure. But Sir Gilbert decides it is "a matter of honour," and that "blood will tell," and proposes a fight.
East Cove at daybreak is the time, though Bellows tries some dirty work, that is kidnapping Dickon. But dear old nanny is there to see justice done, and though she knows Dickon ain't Percy, she unties his knots and sees him to the fight.
So Dogfish v Dickon commences, the latter of course victor. "He made me," protests the feeble Dogfish. Thus Gresham Isle is safe with its new owner. However Dickon does the honest thing and hands the deeds over to the crown and the capable hands of Beamish
The Buccanneers
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Dangerous Cargo
The 'Cargo' is actually Lady Hilary, played by Sarah Lawson who does her best to charm but fails either to win over Cap'n Dan or the viewer, in this frustratingly annoying story with a muddled script in which the sets seem more stagey than ever.
"Steady as you go," cries Dan Tempest in thick studio mist. He's sailing to a secret rendezvous with His Majesty's man o' war Scarborough, Cpt Steele in charge.
Dan's orders, escort Lady Hilary to Barbados, for her honeymoon with the governor. Dan spurns her but changes his mind when Captain Mendoza draws alongside in his Spanish galleon The Bay of Cadiz. He demands Lady Hilary be handed over to him. Secretly (why I'm not sure), Dan abducts the maiden and gets her away from trouble in a small skiff. It seems she carries some important message about something or other.
Dan Tempest is charged with treachery, Lt Beamish takes charge of the Sultana to hunt down Dan. Alone with Lady Hilary, but no hint of romance, Dan is making for Five Keys, 'the dregs of the Caribbean.' Pirates all of 'em gather here, not the place to take any lady, so Hilary turns into a bosun's mate before the pair book into a disreputable inn. However Mendoza has tracked them down and Lady Hilary walks straight into his hands. Dan quickly rescues her from Mendoza's galleon. and delivers her safely into her husband's arms. In the nick of time, for he is just being denounced as "a contemptible swine," but now his hanging is cancelled and he receives his proper thanks
The Buccanneers
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The Return of Calico Jack
The Sultana is being loaded with goods for Charleston and thankfully "there's not a pirate in the Caribbean who will dare attack the Sultana."
Or maybe there is, for here sailing into port is Captain Jack Rackham, alias Calico Jack, "that means trouble," and in charge of the Sultana is only Gaff, for Captain Dan Tempest has gone on ahead, in other words,
he's not in this story.
Blustering ashore, Calico helps himself at The Fountain of Youth, obnoxious as ever, Gaff tries to stop him and the pair come to blows. Lt Beamish intervenes to stop the rowdyism, and, in a typical Beamish blunder, it is Gaff who is locked up for
"lawless and disorderly conduct," to Calico's obvious amusement.
With the connivance of the wicked Van Brugh, Calico takes possession of the Sultana. However fruit seller Mrs Wainwright is suspicious and her story sends Beamish to challenge Calico. Gaff has escaped his jail and the two of them thwart Calico's plot. So it is Calico who ends up in prison. Here endeth this strange little Shawless tale
The Buccanneers
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Conquistador
Two fishermen, including Juan, Armando's brother, are attacked by the Sultana, "s'impossible."
"Impossible," echoes Lt Beamish, when the news is reaches him. Dan Tempest has never returned to piracy! But even Beamish has to change his tune when the Sultana starts firing on New Providence. "I don't understand why Dan would do this," cries Beamish in despair.
But behind the attack is actually the Spaniard Don Estaban who has taken possession of Tempest's ship. Dan and his crew have been ignominiously locked in the ship's hold.
The traitorous van Brugh joins forces with Don Estaban and Beamish is sent "Dan Tempest's" demand for £10,000 if New Providence is to be spared. In response, the order goes forth that Tempest and his crew are traitors and must be shot on sight.
Dan tricks his way out of captivity and swims ashore.
He hears the clamour amongst the people not to pay this ransom money, though van Brugh has persuaded the Council to agree. Beamish is reluctant to submit, but accepts the majority decision and takes on the job of taking the money to the Sultana.
Singlehandedly, Dan has now overcome the Spanish on his ship, released his crew, and together they reclaim their ship, Dan having a jolly good swordfight with Don Estaban.
It is now that Beamish boards the ship, his sole aim is to shoot the traitor Dan, if it is the last thing it does, which it surely will be. He is thwarted and has to see that Dan is no traitor, "I'm ashamed," he admits. But at least Beamish's honour is intact, for he never had any intention of paying any ransom
The Buccanneers
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IVANHOE (1957)
Thankfully most of the 39 stories have survived, and been sold on ebay and other sites. They are:
My favourite episode: 4 The Outcast. With McGoohan prowling round, dare I suggest any other?
Best moment: In 19 Sir Crustabread, Virginia Vernon treats it all with the dignity it deserves
Dud episode: 24 Lady Lilith, though this story at least tries hard.
1 KNIGHTS WITH THE RED PLUME
Lancelot-of-the-Lake appears at Camelot with his bona fides in question- has he killed Sir Gawain's brother? Only a fight to the death can decide
2 FEROCIOUS FATHERS
Something like Romeo and Juliet with two warring wrinklies (Ballard Berkeley and George Woodbridge), but not a lot when their joust turns to comedy as age gives way to beauty. Lance also gains a squire, Brian, who's fed up with washing up the pots n pans
3 THE QUEEN'S KNIGHT
Guinevere is kidnapped by naughty Sir Mordred and hidden in his impreganble castle. Lance gets in, but ends up in prison, so it's Brian to the rescue!
4 THE OUTCAST
Sir Glavin (Patrick McGoohan) is determined to prevent "kitchen trash" Brian from training as a knight. In a plot from Tom Brown's Schooldays, Brian has to undertake the Quest of the Matron's Nightcap. He's helped by attractive Mary, but when Guinevere's ring goes missing, he's the obvious suspect. Worse follows for Brian when the fell Glavin proposes to Mary, before he gallops off, dressed in black naturally, with the ring.
5 WINGED VICTORY Death to surrender! Will Lance succumb to torture to reveal Arthur's battleplan against Bad King Mark (Nigel Green)? Yes, seems the answer...
6 SIR BLIANT Lancelot impersonates aged Sir Bliant in order to teach his three unruly sons a lesson in how to behave proper
7 THE MAGIC SWORD Merlin convinces "rabbit" Sir Bernard (Dan Cunningham) that Lancelot's sword will make him invincible. In a little gem of a tale, Bernard then rides off to rescue his Lady Love who's held prisoner by four wicked brothers
8 THE ROMAN WALL
9 SIR LANCELOT'S BANISHMENT
"Lancelot will die," sings the most untuneful minstrel (Robert Crewdson) in the
kingdom. Lance has had a bust-up with
King Arthur over the bona fides of King Marhaus. Lance is on the ball of course-
Marhaus is plotting to kill Arthur in what is supposed to be a 'friendly' joust.
But even in exile, Lancelot has compensation, in the shape of Marhaus' lovely sister
(Zena Walker)
10 CALEDON Alone on a mission, Lancelot is attacked, his horse killed. The robber chief (George Murcell, leering at his evil worst) gives Lance a fine new grey horse which Lance names Caledon, but that corny nasty trick of gorse under its saddle causes him to throw Lance, who is then robbed of his sword and his bracelet...
11 THE SHEPHERD’S WAR The father of Elsa (Jennifer Jayne) is killed by ignoble knights, so her intended Chad enlists the assistance of Lance to help his village protect themselves. Lance bravely attempts reason with the unreasonable Sir Mador, and when that fails he helps the villagers protect themselves to teach the naughty knights a lesson
12 THE PIRATES Liam of Ireland (Noel Purcell) warns Arthur The Pirates are Coming! Arthur dashes off with the Round Table leaving Lance to guard Camelot and Guinevere. Liam turns out to be a little treacherous
13 THE BLACK CASTLE Lady Lorraine's dad is being held to ransom, so her intended, Sir Cedric, impulsive apprentice knight, dashes to the rescue. But dad's being held by fearsome Torwald, so Lance dashes to 'soften up' Torwald by defeating him in a fair fight. but that's exactly not what Torwald does, he's just a cheat and a coward, and Lance allows Cedric to meet him in fair combat, in front of the adoring Lorraine and her dad. Despite Torwald's attempts at trickery, guess who wins
14 THEFT OF EXCALIBUR
On St Stephen's Day, when Arthur and Lance spend their annual day learning to be humble in the kitchens, Squire Robert (John Charlesworth) is tricked
into giving Excalibur to three thieves. Their leader Barney (a fine role for Alfie Bass) then captures the other young
squires, including Brian. Rashly believing the sword is magic, Barney challenges Lance to a duel in this super little adventure
15 THE MAGIC BOOK
16 KNIGHT ERRANT
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Stories made in colour:
17: THE LESSER BREED
Incongruous appearances of Vikings, suggestions of sea monsters and an odd reference to the prison film genre as Lance chips rocks down at the quarry. At least the story is fun- Lance rescues the fair Sella (Ann Stephens), who's been sold into marriage. The price for her nuptials: Lance has to be sold as a slave
18 THE RUBY OF RADNOR The annual display of the Crown Jewels! At the castle of cousin Everard (Colin Tapley) they naturally disappear. It's Brian who finds them
19 SIR CRUSTABREAD
Virginia Vernon proves to be one of the few to act as though this really is a children's fantasy. She plays rather nicely the devious Lady Lynette who takes baker-knight Crustabread (Lance in disguise) to rescue her sister who's being forced to marry an evil baron
20 WITCHES BREW
Merlin competes against the hypnotism and ventriloquism of the witch Eunice (Maxine Audley), who holds poor King Rolf (Leonard Sachs) in her power
21 MAID OF SOMERSET Naughty King Melchiot wants to sell slaves to the Saracens. Lance traps him in Cheddar Gorge, where he is taught a sharp lesson
22 DOUBLE IDENTITY Ambidextrous Richard of Taunton (Howard Pays) is to marry wealthy Lady Margaret but his double takes his place and it's up to Lance to expose him and his wicked uncle, Bad Sir John (John Bailey)
23 THE BRIDGE
What's Lance up to now? Quote: "he's rescuing the Lady Angela. He's always
doing that!" In fact, our fair maiden has now been
imprisoned by her own brother, nasty young King Marhaus, in order to trick his way
into gaining control of a strategic bridge. Singlehanded, Lancelot defeats him, and
carries Lady Angela
off on his steed to Queen Guinevere
24 LADY LILITH Bit of a glorious failure this one, about Lance's attempts at matchmaking with "monster" Lilith who efficiently runs her late father's castle, and who also has a crush on Lance
25 THE UGLY DUCKLING (only survives in b/w)
26 KNIGHT'S CHOICE
with Robert Hardy
27 THE MORTAISE AFFAIR
28 THE PRINCE OF LIMERICK
29 THE MISSING PRINCESS (only in b/w sadly)
A village of women take a princess hostage. The king (John Horsley) seems strangely unperturbed, even though they threaten to burn the princess at the stake. Can peace broker Lance save the day?
30 THE THIEVES
King Arthur and Lance are dressed as thieves
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To Historical
. . . For the great site with Sir Lancelot cast lists
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SIR FRANCIS DRAKE
with Terence Morgan in the title role, and Jean Kent as Queen Elizabeth.
ATV being short of studio space, this series was made at
AB Elstree Studios. An attempt to make a series "as well as, if not better" than the money-spinning Robin Hood. "No effort will be spared," declared an ATV spokesman, "to make this a first class series, with top production values. We think it will be better than Robin Hood."
A bold promise, that really fell flat because the star chosen from three who were tested on July 28th 1960, was hardly in the charismatic Richard Greene mould. I wonder who the two others who made tests were?
Having said that, some of the stories do rise above the usual rather mundane children's swashbuckling adventures (for example, stories 3, 11 and 12). I also like the stirring theme music by the underrated Ivor Slaney- perhaps if it had had a vocal, it would have been a hit.
1 The Garrison - Captain Williams (Patrick Wymark in Welsh) is in charge of the Blankenburg fort with 500 men, but when Drake fails to bring his provisions, FD is accused of cowardice. Making amends, Sir F discovers a mere 13 men at the fort, so where are the rest?
2 The Prisoner - Has Captain Drake "met his match" in the shape of a Spanish Contessa (Natasha Parry) he's rescued from a sinking galleon? Her scheme is to blow up the Hind, but FD outthinks her, and she faces being blown up along with FD, who still has time to tease her "you're very beautiful you know"
3 Mary Queen of Scots - Here's a genuine attempt to portray the dilemmas of the queen and her cousin (Noelle Middleton), as crooked politicial activists try to manipulate Mary's death. A more conventional second half as FD gallops to her rescue, foiling the evil plot of Sir Amyas (Alfred Burke)
4 Governor's Revenge - Patently obvious is a provincial gov's plan for revenge on FD. Hawkins is framed and sentenced to death, but Drake's plan is pretty obvious too- he kidnaps the gov's fiancee
5 Lost Colony of Virginia - FD relieves the tottering fortress of Virginia, a tale to stir every American heart
6 English Dragon - "Gay young" Lord Oakeshott (David McCallum) is held prisoner in Calais, so as the Queen is "fond" of him, FD promises to rescue him. But this foppish Lord "adores" the countess (Delphi Lawrence) living there, and won't leave, so FD has to drag him back to England
7 Bold Enterprise - "The richest gold town" of the Spaniards is where the queen's cousin Lord Westbrook (Patrick Holt) is imprisoned. Against her majesty's command, FD sails with the ebullient Bosanquet (Richard Pearson) to get the gold- "Drake shall answer with his head!" The Spanish governor isn't too pleased either- "My King shall hang you for this!" But when FD produces Westbrook as well as the gold, all is forgiven, at least on the queen's side
8 Doctor Dee- Can you imagine Raymond Huntley playing a magician? Well here he is, as Dr Dee, an alchemist who "causes a member of the court to vanish." Only in fun, but Mendoza the Spanish ambassador persuades him to give the queen a horoscope that will discourage FD from attacking crippled Spanish ships. But FD can read the signs too and retrieves Dee's scientific notes Mendoza has stolen, so Dee is able now to give the right prediction enabling FD to attack legitimately the enemy. Also in this story, Michael Crawford sings Greensleeves
9 Escape - FD is washed ashore and thrown unrecognised into a Spanish prison. He faces psychological torture by the governor, before the old dawn firing squad. Not your traditional swashbuckler this, more a script by a writer with a WW2 hangover, transposing 350 years ahead of FD's time
10 Boy Jack - Queen Elizabeth entrusts young courtier Jack to FD to make a man of him. He is to escort him to Portugal, which has, unbeknown to FD, just been taken over by the Spanish
11 The Flame Thrower - "By heavens, madam, what a welcome we can give the Spanish Armada now!" In an unusually philosophical start, Martin (Neil McCallum) has a conscience about his weapon being used in warfare. But the Spaniards have no such scruples and force him to make the Flame Thrower for them. So it's FD to Martin's rescue!
12 King of America - Apparently the "true story" of Kieron Moore, correction Thomas Stukeley who before the Pilgrim Fathers declared himself King of America. Drake's nephew Michael Crawford, alias John Drake (he's no Danger Man, though) tags along, besotted by the fair Susan Hampshire, sorry Celia. However the King's subjects capture a Spanish pirate ship and decide to return to England, minus Kieron Moore. Alone in his kingdom, he's about to be polished off by those Spaniards, when FD sails in- hurrah!- to his rescue
13 The Irish Pirate - FD is ordered to bring the rebellious Earl of Tyrone "in chains" to Queen Bess. This is a corny caricature of the Irish with a couple of disagreeable Burkes and an Irish piratess (Olive McFarland)- only nice moment is when their brawl is suddenly ceased by the appearance of the minuscule Lord Abbott (Gordon Phillott)
14 Drake on Trial - Did FD really kill all the crew on a Spanish ship after
they had surrendered? But it proves to be his double who is then persuaded by
the Spanish to attack a Dutch ship. Queen Liz is not amused until FD tracks down
the imposter
15 Beggars of the Sea - Rotten army the Spanish!- they won't fight unless they are actually paid. And Dutch insurrectionists are ensuring that pay never reaches them in Holland. Spanish Count Julio (William Lucas) is sure it will arrive this time when Queen Elizabeth guarantees the Spanish payship a safe passage through the English Channel. At least this is what she says: "No English ship must attack it." This is an awful lesson for youngsters in how to be devious!
16 The Bridge - FD is asked to rescue a Portuguese leader from an impregnable castle captured by the Spaniards. What's he look like? asks FD. A painting of Patrick Troughton is shown: "that's a face one's not likely to forget"
17 Johnnie Factotum - After fierce fighting FD captures a Spanish treasure. He then goes undercover to catch crooks who plan to snatch the booty on its way from Tilbury to her Majesty, in a plot that must have been used later for The Saint! He's nearly outwitted in this violent robbery by the Queen of Alsatia (Katharine Blake)
18 Mission to Paris - Her Majesty beguiled by a foppish French prince, even considering an alliance with the notorious French branch of the de Medicis! But why, if Alencon is so "repulsive?" Oh no, the Queen thinks him "handsome." Though even the prince's own mother thinks he needs "exterminating." FD is sent to France
to gauge the wicked French Queen's intentions, and they are not honourable. Thanks to an ally in her palace, Navarre (Patrick Allen), FD avoids the Medici's murderous plans.
19 Gentleman of Spain - Barbary pirates have carried off slaves from Wales, so FD goes to Tripoli to save them.
He has an unlikely ally in Don Miguel (Nigel Davenport): "at least the Spaniards are Christian"
20 The Reluctant Duchess - A crotchety Dutch duchess must be persuaded not to collaborate with the Spanish, so FD has to 'encourage' her to come to England. With the aid of an actor Maartens (Ferdy Mayne) FD, the lady and his company have to perform Hecuba by Euripedes to convince the enemy of their bona fides. "Have you nothing livelier?" asks a bored Spanish duke. A bit unfair on Mary Merrall as the duchess who seems to enjoy spouting the stuff, though things liven up with a sword fight
21 The Gypsies - FD's ship picks up some marooned gypsies who bring "the evil eye" on the crew. FD and John, who's fallen for the beauteous Sara, find themselves forced to protect their passengers, who are really trying to loot the Golden Hind. The ship is nearly sunk, but as the witches flee, their longboat falls victim to the sharks
22 The Doughty Plot - Veteran actor and producer of this series Anthony Bushell plays FD's old friend Tom who organises his version of Mutiny on the Bounty. But it ends unsuccessfully and there follows the "landlubber's" solemn trial
23 Fountain of Youth -
Sir Henry (Reginald Beckwith) takes charge of FD's expedition to Florida, where FD helps the natives rescue their chief Black Eagle from the Spaniards. His reward is the undying thanks of BE's daughter (Catherine Woodville) plus barrels of magic water from an Indian well known as the Fountain of Youth, that Queen Bess is discretely anxious to taste
24 Court Intrigue - "If Drake is attacking the treasure fleet... the Queen will lose her kingdom." The Spaniards try to decoy FD away from protecting the English shores, so the Armada can strike. "Patriots not pirates" is what the Queen demands of FD's men. However, here's a game of double bluff with FD wise enough to "repulse an invasion" as well as making time enough to "escort" the Spanish treasure back to England
25 Visit to Spain -
FD is a guest of the King of Spain to witness his "little monster of a son" who is getting married to an
Italian princess (Francesca Annis), only she doesn't love him and he
despises her. FD is in his element as he prevents this alliance
26 Slaves of Spain - In Tobago the Spanish have forced some British to become slaves, digging in their gold mine. Despite some local treachery, the "inhuman monsters" are beaten and the series ends with a kiss for FD, well more a peck really, from Yana aka Nanette Newman
To Historical Menu . . .
. . . The site with Sir Francis Drake cast lists
. . . . . . .
The Adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel
Marius Goring starred as the famous hero, Sir Percy "in flowed satin" but secretly The Man Whom They Seek Here, They Seek Him There, They Seek Him Everywhere. "I enjoyed playing the Pimpernel," he claimed in an interview, "he embodies everyone's ideal of a hero; a man who, for no personal gain, risked his life for the innocent. It's a strange thought that his antagonists were the people who shouted Liberte Egalite Fraternite!"
1 The Hostage - Baroness de Fleury (Yvonne Furneaux), a prisoner in the Rue de L'Egalite, Paris, needs rescuing from the evil Chauvelin (Stanley Beers). Despite huge odds SP succeeds, yet she refuses to accompany him to England. The reason- her little son is being held hostage. Posing as a coachman SP tricks Chauvelin into thinking he's going to help prevent little Pierre from being snatched. But SP does one of his surprise attacks and Pierre is reunited with his rather pensive mother. SP pompously tells her "the most important thing in life is to fight injustice." With perhaps, as his actions show, a touch of romance!
2 Sir Percy's Wager - Unless Chauvelin's "trifling request" that SP desists from his activities is obeyed, Lady Caroline will be executed. SP executes his own awfully tedious plan to rescue her on the way to the guillotine
4 The Elusive Chauvelin- SP receives a blackmail note- £500, or he will be exposed! But then it seems every aristo has received similar, a trap by "Shovelon." However one idiot strangely gets caught in the trap and SP feels it's up to him to come to the rescue. By locking Chauvelin in the prisoner's cell, the tables are turned. And isn't that Christopher Lee uncredited as executioner Louis?
6 The Sword of Justice- "The Pimpernel murdered for gold... outrageous!" Surely Sir Percy must track this imposter down. He cleverly elicits Chauvelin's aid to set a thief to catch a thief. Face to face with the rogue SP (Brian Wilde), the real SP is shot at close range, but amazingly survives to challenge the false SP to a sword fight. "Death to all traitors"
8 Sir Andrew's Fate- Andrew Ffolkes is injured helping an aristo escape, so SP rides to his rescue, not that he needs it, as he's in the arms of his beloved, Colette. SP tricks Chauvelin into thinking Sir Andrew is dead, and he has a chance to capture the Pimpernel. One of them is doomed to disappointment
9 The Ambassador's Lady - The Republic's first ambassador to England is Citizen Fleury (William Franklyn). Lord Hastings "admires tremendously" Mme Fleury and thus it takes all SP's skill to avert war with France after she dies in his arms
10 The Christmas Present - "I don't want Christmas," declares the Scroogish Blakeney, but before that festival, he has an erand of mercy to rescue French nobles imprisoned near Nantes.
They turn out to be four children, young Jean-Paul (Christopher Toyne), his sister Renee, Comte Charles and "baby" Antoinette (Lesley Dudley).
The Pimpernel invites them to a Christmas party, though Jean Paul tells him sadly, "but there isn't any Christmas any more in France." Posing as a doctor, diagnosing the children as having plague,
SP keeps his promise, Marius Goring ending with a rendition of part of The Twelve Days of Christmas
14 Antoine and Antoinette -"Arrested in the name of the Republic," and just before their wedding too!
To the rescue of Antoine and Antoinette comes SP, who narrates the tale in the manner of a charming fairy tale, though it's slightly marred by bridesmaid Elise, whose acting is distinctly childish (Gillian Town). The affair ends as Chauvelin comes face to 'face' with SP in a fierce swordfight, in which of course the French rotter is an absolute cheat
18 Tale of Two Pigtails - (final story) Chauvelin's "infallible" scheme to catch aristos involves Citizen Sabot posing as a sailor prepared to ferry escapees to Britain. SP to the rescue of one princess, but Chauvelin zooms to London to abduct her. Dressed as a Chinese, SP thwarts his machinations
Historical Menu
. . . . . . .
Sword of Freedom (1957)
starring Edmund Purdom as Marco del Monte, "one of the most famous and talented artists in Florence"
during the Renaissance, who also fights local tyrants.
Pitting their wits against him are Medici, the Gonfalonier of Florence (Martin Benson), and master intriguer Machiavelli (Kenneth Hyde).
Marco has two allies in his model Angelica (Adrienne Corri) and, on occasion, the burly Sandro (Reginald Beckwith).
This was no masterpiece of a series, but the stories from the Hannah Weinstein stable, are competent and always enjoyable.
1 'Francesca' - opening story (on film)
2 'The Sicilian'
4 'Caterina'
with Marianne Benet in the title role (on film)
6 'Portrait in Emerald Green'
7 'The Duke', with Richard Pasco as the Duke of Ferrara (on film)
11 'The Ship'
with Andrew Cruickshank,
Patricia Burke,
Peter Asher,
Maxwell Shaw and
Geoffrey Bayldon (on film)
Historical Menu
. . . . . . .
2 The Sicilian
A swaggering stranger from Sicily (Peter Wyngarde) is in town: "I don't like his face," says Marco.
With good reason for he's a cardsharper and it's only "poetic justice" that Marco has to win those 'winnings' back in a similar way. Some weighted dice and "I've been swindled!"
The Sicilian does not take to being "fooled completely" and so plans his revenge by killing Marco.
Sword of Freedom Menu
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6 Portrait in Emerald Green
Butcher Julio (John le Mesurier) is refusing to pay his taxes! He refuses until the public accounts are published.
De Medici needs him to 'disappear' and hatches a plot involving Julio's young wife Lucrezia (June Rodney). Her portrait is currently being painted by "gay blade" Marco. The butcher, having got wind that Marco is a "wife stealer" bursts in demanding satisfaction.
But the fight does not conclude with his death as the misunderstanding is cleared up. Lucrezia herself is persuaded to kill her husband using the poison found in the emerald green paint Marco is using.
Naturally Marco spots this evil plan and now a swordfight is the only way Julio can be disposed of. That plan too is doomed to failure and de Medici finally has to abort his extortionate tax schemes- hurrah!
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DINOSAUR TV HISTORICAL FILMED SERIES
RICHARD THE LIONHEART (1961)