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This was the first of several series to have episodes made in both America and England.
Nick Cravat played the mute Jacopo. Other semi-regulars included
Henry Cordon as Carlo (US stories 5 to 12) and Robert Cawdron as Rico (UK stories).
I have placed the American made stories in the most likely sequence. No.1 was a pilot, this and stories 2 and 3 included the Count's servant Mario who disappears after this. Stories 4 and 6 to 12 all have Carlo, who is introduced in the first of these, and is clearly shown to leave the series in story 12.
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1 The Affair of the Three Napoleons - (US pilot episode)
"In the year 1834, rumblings of rebellion threatened the throne of France. It was a time of intrigue, conspiracy and secret rendezvous."
Our first sight of the Count is at his desk leisurely sipping wine.
He has a visitor, Mlle Renee Morell (Faith Domergue) who makes an appeal to the man "battling injustice wherever he might find it" (Sounds rather like The Four Just Men introduction!).
Her father Albert has been done in while trying to find out the identities of the plotters against King Louis Philippe.
The only clue, a snuff box with 3 gold coins.
But though she is positive that her father once knew MC while both were imprisoned in the Chateau d'If, surprisingly MC is cold and unhelpful, sending her away. It's because he is worried his own identity might become known.
Yet as a defender of the downtrodden, he does investigate the crime, first questioning a man in Vichy whose life MC had once saved. He learns that these three gold coins are the way that supporters of Napoleon identify each other. Morrell had infiltrated the group but had paid the price.
A baron, on his way to meet the leaders of the plot, is intercepted by MC, who then impersonates this baron. He presents his credentials, the gold coins to the leader, Paul, at a ball this man is holding. He introduces his fiancee, none other than Renee. She's puzzled at MC's presence here. Privately MC tries to make amends for his former rudeness, but telling her that her fiance is the leading plotter against the king isn't the best way of doing that. "I intend to tell Paul," she says to MC, but she is finally persuaded to give MC a little time to prove his accusation.
However the baron whom MC is impersonating gets out of his bonds and persuades Paul of his own bona fides. MC has to come into the open, and snatching the documents Paul holds with the names of all his co-conspirators, he makes his escape. Though Mario is wounded in the fight, Jacopo is entrusted with taking these documents to the king. As Mario watches on from his sickbed, MC has a showdown with Paul and the enemy of the king is then arrested.
Renee can see now that she's been "a fool," and thanks MC
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2 The Pen and The Sword
The scenery looks like the wild west, but apparently we are in France, where Veritas, a mysterious masked figure, is delivering leaflets denouncing army general Jean Beauclair. "He certainly has a facility for stirring up excitement."
In fact the allegations cause the general to shoot himself.
The next target for Veritas is Justice Minister Bonjean, who deserves all he gets, for he has squandered the people's taxes in gambling. The worried minister, as worried as any modern day politician, declares, "we must find Veritas."
12 Rue de Charbonne is where the pamphlets are printed, so soldiers break in there to arrest Dubois, a bookseller, though his daughter Charmaine manages to get away in time, straight into the safe arms of Monte Cristo. But she at first sees him as yet another aristo and doesn't trust him. But he gains her confidence by promising to rescue Dubois, if he can find where he is being held prisoner.
Bonjean himself will give the information! He's gambling as usual, and Monte Cristo takes him on, a million francs is the stake. Bonjean is soon down, "I lost everything."
But Bonjean's army officer Debrec has persuaded Charmaine to reveal the identity of Veritas, it's the Count. "I order his immediate arrest," cries Bonjean in triumph.
But face to face with Monte Cristo he is not so brave. The pamphlet denouncing him seizes him with anger and he rips it up.
Take me to Dubois, demands Monte Cristo, and admit you have stolen two million francs of the people's money, in return the leaflet will be suppressed. After a swordfight Monte Cristo is locked in prison, but at least he's found Dubois, for he is sharing a cell with him. He proves the pen is mightier than the sword, well sort of, after another swordfight, when the pen is handed to the defeated Bonjean, to sign his ignominious confession
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3 The De Berry Affair
It's the year 1835. The Count of Monte Cristo is out shooting with the French Minister of the Interior when someone takes a pot shot at King Louis Phillipe. Missed. While the king regains his wind, The Count gives chase, "Edward it seems you are always on hand when I need you."
Behind the failed plot is the Duchess Deberry, niece of the king, who wants the king deposed, though not killed. She is arrested by Thiers, though in fact it is he who is behind the whole plot too. There's only "one man in France" (the king's corny own words) who can save her, yes, The Count. With his two friends Jacopo and Mario, he rides to the fortress where is held the duchess. On the morrow she is to be executed, so there's no time to lose.
Donning masks, eliminating the sentry, they have quickly effected the rescue of the duchess. Out the way they have entered, though soldiers gives chase. Looking more like The Lone Ranger on his white steed, the Count draws off his pursuers, even though wounded in the arm by a gunshot. Thus the duchess escapes, and reunited with Edmund they ride on. More like a gangster film, they nearly run into a roadblock, organised by Sevier, Thiers' right hand man. As they ponder their next move, the duchess explains why she had rather unwisely headed this attempted coup. "I've still much to learn of government and politics," she admits, she's not the only one. But she agrees to ride to Paris to testify against the plotters.
Edmund, Jacopo and Mario take on the guards at the roadblock, disarming them incredibly easily. With a sword to his throat, Sevier has no choice but to give them safe passage to the Count's chateau, but there waiting for them is Thiers who has "no alternative," he claims, but to eliminate them. But Edmund has trumped his ace, for the king has been listening to what has amounted to a confession, "the fortunes of war," and it's Thiers who is taken away captive.
A toast to the king, and the duchess is permitted to go into exile in Italy
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6 First Train to Paris
1834. Roland has an urgent message for Monte Cristo- the new railway engine is to be blown up. He can say no more, mainly because he's shot dead. But his dying action is to shove a scrap of paper into The Count's hand, on it the time of the explosion, 5am on the engine's trial run. "Someone is planning to blow up the train," declares Edmund, in a masterpiece of the obvious.
He and Carlo gallop at breakneck speed through what looks more like California than France, en route enjoying a little swordfight. Too late they arrive at the scene of the crash, "a terrible tragedy," not that we ever see even the sight of any train. Premier Jean Gerard is a broken man, for he had promoted the new railway. Leader of the opposition, journalist the Duke of Cordot (John Hoyt) refuses to act in the national interest, seeing his own political chance.
Yet Edmund appears strangely confident that a crisis can be averted and promises Gerard to find out who is behind this sabotage, though anyone with any brains at all could guess.
At the Paris Stock Exchange, looking remarkably like a studio set, there's panic as railway shares start to plummet. 'Tis what Gerard has feared. One man however is buying! That's Edmund, partly to keep up public confidence in the new railway but also to flush out the villain. As people continue to sell, Edmund continues to buy. "He can't possibly succeed," Cordot smirks.
Trading has now ceased for the day. Edmund's "sheer
insanity" leads him to Cordot in this way...
Police detective Duval arrests Edmund for Roland's murder, who told you about him? Edmund responds. It must be the man behind the plot. That's Cordot. Edmund refuses
to be arrested and ties up Duval and his men. With Jacopo and Carlo, The Count rides to gather proof against Cordot. He persuades Gerard to tell Cordot that he already has proof of Cordot's duplicity, that ruse gets Cordot to contact the men he'd contracted to kill Roland and with a neat little trick Edmund has Cordot where he wants him.
Now railway shares are thankfully booming and the premier is back at the helm
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10 The Duel
1835. Odette is bidding farewell to her fiance Pierre who is leaving Paris on the Toulon stage, sorry coach. No sooner has this departed than one Charles Rolla steps up to her, makes advances and her father is forced to defend her honour by challenging Rolla to a duel.
But she knows a man who can help, Monte Cristo. As the duellists square up, Edmind arrives on the scene.
Yet just too late to prevent a tragedy. "Why did you murder my father?" cries Odette.
From the police, The Count learns that Rolla is a serial duellist, this year he has already killed four men in duels.
At the Paris Opera House, Rolla tries to spark yet another duel, with The Count himself, whose inquisitiveness needs silencing. But Edmund will not rise to the bait and Rolla resorts to a final insult, "coward!" Even that fails to rouse the pacific count.
Jacopo follows Rolla, Carlo finds out more about the dead opponents, while Edmund enjoys the rest of the opera. Then he quizzes Odette about what she knows of Charles Rolla. It seems that his father Vincent will inherit a dukedom if one more person happens to die, and the man standing in the way of such an inheritance is none other than Pierre Monet, Odette's intended. There's some rather muddled connection between all the dead in The Victoire, a ship that sank at the Battle of Trafalgar. The Commander of that ship was Vincent.
Edmund makes haste to Toulon where Rolla is already demanding satisfaction of Pierre, "tomorrow at dawn."
However it is Monte Cristo who announces himself at this duel, and he challenges Rolla. Pistols. Distance to be two paces decides Edmund. "Ridiculous," scoffs Rolla, who, exposed, collapses on grovelling knees.
The Count apologises to Pierre for usurping his place at the dawn meeting, and there's some consolation for Pierre with a kiss from Odette
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11 Andorra
1837. In his palace, Charles the widowed Duke of Andorra is shot dead by his brother Victor's accomplice Louis. Gerard, the heir and his sister eleven year old Renee are hastily taken from their castle home by the faithful Porello, who is murdered for his trouble.
But before his death, Charles had asked The Count of Monte Cristo for help, and our hero soon sees through the conniving Victor and his apology of a story that the two children had died of a sudden illness.
MC finds where the children are hiding, and takes them over the border and into Spain right under the eyes of the watchful Louis. They have joined a company of gypsy mummers.
The two children as well as Edmund dress as gypsies, and borrow a gypsy caravan to return back to Andorra. But Victor has learnt of their plan and before they can leave Spain, there's the traditional swordfight, "stop the gypsies." Carlo keeps the children safe while MC gives Victor what he throoughly deserves, and the children enjoy the sight of Victor being taken away by the Spanish police, "you're safe now, children"
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Affair of Honour
This must be the last of the American made stories, as at the end Carlo bids adieu saying, "my family in Italy needs me." Or in other words, the producer doesn't want me.
It's another duel, this between a merciless baron who is an expert swordsman and Antoine. Up rides MC accompanying Maria here to support the underdog, she is really the cause of their dispute.
But the baron suddenly collapses, it would appear that there was a deadly poison on the tip of Antoine's sword. He's wanted for murder, though MC, certain of his innocence, helps him elude arrest.
Marie asks Raoul Count de Bray her uncle, who is her guardian and keeper of her fortune until she is of age, if he'll help her escape the country with Antoine. But de Bray has signed a confession claiming he's the killer of the baron, who was his business rival and who was forcing him into financial ruin. MC however believes he is only trying to protect his ward.
To solve the case, MC consults Professor von Humbolt, an expert in poisons, but he's not at home, says his assistant Suzanne.
Now MC is under arrest for obstructing the police, and Antoine's hiding place has been found out. But Jacopo and Carlo rescue MC who breaks into the police station to borrow the duelling sword used in the duel.This he takes to von Humbolt, who identifies the poison as curare, yet in the whole of Europe he is the only person who has such a rare poison and this he keeps under lock and key. You guessed it, the key's disappeared! Suzanne must have taken the curare and given it to the killer. MC tracks the poisoner down and duels with him, despite facing a sword tipped with curare, "just one scratch..."
It was bound to end one way. "There's no need to arrest him," MC informs the police. Antoine and Maria express their thanks
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The Mazzini Affair
Guiseppe Mazzini (Michael Aldridge), "revered by every liberty loving soul in Italy," is hunted down by Austrian forces when Italy is overrun in 1832.
Baron Reiker orders him to be hanged, but Rico d'Amico, who runs an olive oil and wine business, sends for MC, who promises to rescue Mazzini, for the sake of his fiancee Carla (Maureen Connell). As "the place is thick with guards," MC poses as the priest administering the last rites.
8.10am, the priest announces himself at the condemned man's cell. He gets Mazzini to dress in priest's robes while MC takes his place. The execution is only postponed however, MC's is to take place next morn!
Manoeuvre 17 is the rescue plan. A composed MC is defying the Baron's taunts, "before you die, we require you to talk." Where is Mazzini hiding out? But answer comes there none, for MC leaps out of a window, a strategically placed haycart breaking his fall.
Baron Reiker gives pursuit, and surrounds the shop where Mazzini is hidden. There is a fight in which of course MC is the victor, but the Baron's gun is finally more powerful. "You put up a good fight, Count," Reiker concedes.
However there's a stroke of good fortune, for the Baron's right hand man Frederick proves to be on the Italian side, and hands MC his sword, and MC promptly defeats Reiker in a fair duel.
Mazzini and Carla are shipped away from Italy to safety in France by MC
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The Texas Affair
France 1836. A stage is held up, just like in the Wild West. It so happens MC is on hand and escorts the passengers to safety at his chateau.
Henri Mate (Henry Oscar), personal aide to the Prime Minister, calms down the two who had been attacked, old American soldier John Crane (Macdonald Parke) and Martha his granddaughter (Betta St John).
Crane had sailed to France to seek support for his native Texas' cause in its struggle for independence from Mexico. We get a bit of a history lesson about The Alamo, "they fought and they died because they loved freedom." This moves MC who promises to speak personally to the French Prime Minister.
Yet on his way there he is attacked by a gang lead by a man with a hooked hand. MC is tied up and whipped, but is then fortunately rescued by Rico and Jacopo.
So now MC resumes his trip to Paris, only to be rebuffed by the PM himself, "no business of France."
But MC has a heart to heart with him, pledging to introduce John Crane to present his case at the forthcoming Council of Alliance. MC even acts the modern day banker, threatening to disrupt his own country's finances if he does not get his way.
When he fetches Crane, MC learns Crane has been kidnapped. Jacopo however knows where the villains have hidden him, at the Three Bells, and here they catch up with the baddie with the hooked hand. He's with the high up official who is in the pay of Mexico and who has organised this kidnap.
"Now we will know the truth" as Crane is rescued, and before the Council, Mexico's duplicity is exposed
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19 The Devil's Emissary (filmed in Britain) -
"Soon I shall have my revenge!" declares Sgr Diabolo (John Sherman).
With his henchman they terrorise a remote French valley. A failure to obey him, will mean it's the worse for Marie (Jan Holden), whom he holds prisoner under the spell of his mesmerism. Posing as Sgr Lucifer, our hero,
The Count, deliberately walks into a trap in order to trick Diabolo into a confession of his wickedness
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Act of Terror
1836. In Le Havre, masked men seize Victor who has signed on as crew member on one of MC's ships. The gang are terrorising the waterfront, just like in the film made about the same era.
MC has returned to his chateau for an urgent meeting with Jacques Bergere and Pierre Duval of the Le Havre Society of Shipowners. They bring Janine, Victor's sister, who relates the terrible tale. All ships are unable to move out of Le Havre, except those of Jean Marat.
100 francs a day plus a bonus is what MC offers sailors who are willing to sign on his ship The Pelican. At that wage there are plenty of takers, but the first volunteers are laid upon by thugs and MC, who is following them, is also captured. He is taken to the hunchback leader of the terrorists who wears a mask like the rest of his mob. MC is released, in order to take a message to the shipowners, it's the old protection racket.
At a very heated meeting, MC does relay this message, and accuses Marat of being behind the terrorism, a charge that is vehemently denied. In fact the tables are turned on MC, when it is announced that MC's own ships are now permitted to sail, as he has stumped up the protection money of 50,000 francs. This information is sent on an unsigned note, and isn't quite true, but it causes the meeting to break up in disarray, a duel the inevitable end when Duval faces up to the beleaguered MC.
Later Marat admits privately to MC that his ships were being allowed to sail because he had paid up. But to whom? Marat is inevitably killed before he can answer.
MC has one chance, to pose as a sailor seeking a job. He is taken to join the other conscripts like Victor, but Rico and Jacopo follow him. When he is brought before the gang leader, he is of course recognised. But MC has found out what he wants to know, the identity of the big boss. An almighty punch up concludes the action, despite his wounded arm MC triumphs. Victor is reunited with his sister.
Thus the racket is busted. The story seems more American than French, hardly a true story of press gangs, maybe the gang leader is supposed to be a cross between Charles Laughton and Marlon Brando, but he turns out more like one of the Three Stooges
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The Experiment
Paris 1835. Scientist Pierre (Conrad Phillips) is arrested and locked in the Bastille. Maurice Rasson and Honore, Countess of Dijon (Harriette Johns), grab the chance of
'borrowing' Pierre's treatise on oxygen, seeing the opportunity of making themselves a fortune.
Suzanne, Pierre's wife, appeals to MC, who promises to look in to the matter. Pierre has been accused of being a traitor, his trial to take place behind closed doors. MC canattend as an observer.
Maurice, representing the Academy of Science, tells the court that Pierre has invented this deadly vapour. A demonstration with mice who are exposed to this gas ends in their death. "All lies," screams Pierre, but the evidence seems incontrovertible and he is sentenced to the guillotine.
Suzanne helps MC reconstruct the experiment later, though she cannot recall every detail of it, and in the end they have to give up. The only thing to do is get the real formula back from Maurice who panics when he sees MC has stolen it. Honore however is the stronger partner, "Cristo must not live through tonight," she declares. Her scheme is to use their gas to kill MC who is now of course quite convinced of Pierre's innocence.
Not yet quite gassed, MC gets Rico to grab Honore, and Jacopo Maurice, to haul the pair before the trial judge.
Before the court, MC makes an offer, they and he will take a sniff of Pierre's 'gas,' which MC knows is the real thing, but Honore and Maurice believe is their poisoned substitute. That forces an admission of their trickery, after which MC sniffs it happily, proving it is harmless. "Oh you fool," cries Honore bitterly. Thus Pierre is freed
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Mecklenburg
Quite a pleasing story, set in 1835.
Ferdinand, Duke of Orleans, plights his troth with Princess Helene of Mecklenburg, promising to elope with her on Friday night. But evil Baron Reimer (Raymond Huntley), for political reasons, is arranging her marriage of convenience with the Crown Prince of Prussia.
Why the couple don't elope on the spot is not so clear. But perhaps just as well, for as he scales down from her balcony, Ferdinand plops into the arms of Reimer's cronies.
MC wants to know why the French nobleman has not returned to his homeland. He asks the Baron. I should add that MC is in disguise, posing as a Prussian aide to the Crown Prince, and thankfully the Baron is quite deceived, even to the extent of agreeing that MC should be given the honour of shooting the imprisoned Ferdinand. Reimer also presents MC to Helene, who is persuaded to sign her marriage contract with the Crown Prince, in return for Ferdinand's alleged release. Wily old MC manages to get the contract, "I will hold this for my Crown Prince," he declares.
Ferdinand's execution is set for 10pm that very night. Privately, MC is able to tell Helene of the whole devious plot and she happily plays along, a necessary task, for unexpectedly the Crown Prince is coming very soon. He mustn't meet MC or the game will be up!
10pm, and instead of an execution, MC starts an almighty skirmish which sees Ferdinand freed and carried to safety.
But there's rather bad news for Helene. The Crown Prince has arrived, a charming fellow if truth be told, and Baron Reimer has prepared an immediate wedding ceremony. However in steps MC with Ferdinand, and the wedding is suddenly off. The Crown Prince is obliged to leave ignominiously and the Baron charged with high treason. That he cannot stomach, so has a swordfight with MC which concludes with the convenient toppling over the balcony of the Baron.
So now Helene is queen and free to marry Ferdinand, hurrah!
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The Portuguese Affair
At the Three Swans Inn in Portugal, Lt Denis Dodge (Richard Bebb) of the British Navy is having a quick drink, en route to his marriage, when there's a police raid. Dodge is ordered to dodge, as the police are after a thief, Cuero (Bill Nagy). The crook is soon captured, but where is the secret document he has stolen?
Denis Dodge arrives for his wedding, to the lovely Theresa, who is being given away by MC, but he is arrested for Cuero's murder.
He is carted off to prison, but MC is the man to sort out this injustice! The Minister of Justice is appealed to, but he is strangely indifferent, indeed there is no official record of such a crime or prisoner. This is beginning to look more like a spy story, especially with Cuero's American accent, but Branza, the Minister's assistant (Patrick Troughton) explains Cuero was a secret agent, bringing a document that would implicate Don Pedro in a plot to make himself dictator in Portugal. Poor Lt Dodge is being tortured to make him reveal where this document has been hidden, even though we know he knows nothing.
Rico and Jacopo find a disused mine where this torture is taking place. However Rico is shot in the head as Jacopo rides to fetch his master.
However he isn't quite dead of course.
MC is questioning the landlord at The Three Swans and that elicits the news that a cobbler has got Cuero's boots. MC retrieves them and there is the document in the lining, then he creeps into the mine with Jacopo to rescue Denis. The rocky scenery looks awfully flimsy in the subsequent punch-up, finally it caves in, as it is meant to, after Denis has been rescued.
Now MC can expose the traitor named in the secret paper. We finish with a happy marriage ceremony amid the usual jolly laughter
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A Matter of Justice
A court martial at Army HQ in Paris.
Lt Albert Lenz is found guilty of treason and sent to Midi Prison, prior to exile on Devil's Island. Naturally his mother is distraught and appeals to Maurice Ronda a newspaper editor who agrees to interview the judge, General Le Claire. "There has been no injustice," he insists," the case is closed. On the grounds of national security, noone is permitted to read the secret case file.
MC is unimpressed and poses as a guard, with two prisoners, Rico and Jacopo, to gain entrance to the jail. Lenz however refuses to escape with them, for that, he explains, would be an admission of his guilt. He says he had been convicted as a spy, a letter forged in his name was the decisive evidence, this had been discovered by the head of Army Intelligence Colonel Michelle. His prosecutor du Valle (John Phillips) had easily got Lenz convicted.
After a fight with prison guards, MC confronts Michelle. He's played by Alan Wheatley, so we know he's bound to be a baddie! "The case is closed" he echoes. But Jacopo 'borrows' the file and MC persuades Ronda to publish the true story in tomorrow's paper. However MC is now under arrest for breaking in to Midi Prison, though media pressure, as it's called these days, doesn't keep him there.
MC returns the stolen file to Le Claire, the king's agreed to a new trial, he adds.
At this trial MC acts for Lenz. He questions Major Du Valle and then calls Colonel Michelle. Events are interrupted by a gunshot. Michelle has shot himself, and the case has to be adjourned.
MC has a serious talk with Du Valle. A game of chemin de fer. "I'll play fair," claims MC, but will his opponent? As du Valle loses he writes his IOU. This MC carefully retains.
The case resumes and MC proves that du Valle is the real spy. "May I have the honour of congratulating you," snarls du Valle to MC. Lenz is exonerated and gets a hug from mummy
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The Talleyrand Affair
Set at Christmastide, the background to this story is the proposed dividing of Netherlands to create the new country of Belgium. Lord Palmerston of England (Finlay Currie) supports such a move, but Holland are against it. Any such declaration will be in jeopardy if the envoy from France is delayed.
He is MC, rough seas have hindered his progress, but now he is strangely resting at The Wayside Inn for a meal. Thieves attempt to steal the document he is bearing, unsuccessfully, and that seems to awaken the Count into proceeding to London without ado.
Talleyrand is handed the French papers which agree to the partition of Netherlands. But he is being blackmailed by "the most beautiful woman in Europe," The Duchess of Maastricht (Patricia Laffan) who represents the opposing Dutch government. She has proof that Talleyrand's son Paul has accept a huge bribe. Unless Talleyrand opposes the scheme, his son's duplicity will be exposed.
Posing as a butler, MC serves at the duchess' table, and overhears where Paul is being held a prisoner, Wroxham Manor. With a little help from his friends, MC eludes the duchess and then penetrates into the Manor. Paul is located, and he apologises for being tricked by the duchess into gambling debts, but she is now on the scene and has captured them both. Leaving them tied up, she marches off to the signing of the treaty to sabotage it. But Rico and Jacopo free the pair and after a fight in which Paul is knifed, our heroes make good their escape.
In the nick of time, Paul reaches Lord Palmerston, and his wounded appearance help convince that the Duchess is lying and the traitor in their midst is exposed.
All this happened on Christmas Day, that could never be nowadays as everyone is on holiday for days on end, and maybe this could never have happened, if it ever did
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The Island
The Island of the title is The Isle of Monte Cristo, to where MC had flown after his legendary escape from Chateau d'If. The story is, he'd found his treasure on this isle, some say it's still there.
To learn the truth, Rico, idly sipping a tankard at a wtaerside tavern is drugged.
MC is conversing with his old opponent, "in spite of our previous differences," The Duchess of Maastricht, first seen in The Talleyrand Affair.
Jacopo brings news that Rico is missing, and The Ferrett, an informer, states he's in the hands of a gang of Corsicans. MC makes inquiries at a fishing village, the landlord of The Red Turtle promises him a reunion with his friends. Friends, because Jacopo is now in their hands also.
In a clifftop chateau, MC encounters once more The Duchess, who has some madcap scheme to overthrow the weak French government with the support of Corsican mercenaries. She invites MC to join the group who are to make Napoleon's grand nephew a figurehead on the throne. She needs MC's fortune, will he support her? That could never be, so Rico and Jacopo will receive more beatings. "Lead us to your treasure," she demands, and she is lead, to a cave on the island that I suppose could be called a wild and lonely place, wind whistling through the tunnels. Napoleon overhears The Duchess' plans to make him but a puppet leader, and her other friends are not too loyal either, so falling out among themselves, there's a bit of a fight and the revolution is over. For a second time, The Duchess has been thwarted. Her hopeful nature vainly waits for success third time lucky when she'll next meet MC
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The Barefoot Empress
Incognito, the Austrian Inperial Empress Anna (Jane Griffiths) is travelling through eastern France. French revolutionaries are planning to topple the king, and in the Church of the Three Angels, they hatch their plan to assassinate Anna while she's resting the night at the monastery of St Just.
MC has been ordered to protect the empress. He discovers the priest at the Three Angels church, dead. Following the assassins' tracks, MC knows he is riding into a trap, but it is the only way to find out who the assassins are. The trail leads to Col Latoure and Baron Buray who immediately capture MC. 'Tis for a brief moment however, for Rico and Jacopo spring to MC's rescue.
He rides off to protect the Empress, who is at the monastery, happily dreaming she's following in the steps of Joan of Arc. Though maybe she doesn't anticpate martyrdom, but even after monks have attempted, unsuccssfully, to kill her, she still gallantly refuses to accept MC's offer of assistance. He helps anyway, carrying her off to a mill. "Escape won't be easy."
Against her better judgement, the empress dons a peasant costume and while Rico and Jacopo divert the colonel and the baron, MC and her majesty ride away in a horse and cart. But they have to continue on foot, and soon the empress is bathing her weary feet by a river, considerably cheered at last by sustenance and giggling over herself as The Barefoot Empress. It's a happy scene, attractively photographed, though she is less pleased when MC refuses to accede to her royal command to make for Belfort, and comfort. The moment is interrupted when they are discovered, and it's a swordfight, MC v the colonel and the baron, "run your majesty."
Now it is dark. They reach their rendezvous, a barn where Rico and Jacopo have brought the empress' lady in waiting. Betrayal! The barn is sourrounded, and the prisoners of the barn are forced to come out or the barn will be burned down. There's a giant fight, somehow MC and Co do not seem to be outnumbered!
The King's cavalry march in, far too late to be of any assistance, for our heroes are victorious. The Empress is now able to proceed in safety to her destination in Versailles
To Monte Cristo Menu
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LONG JOHN SILVER with Robert Newton
This 1955 Australian made series, in colour, gave Robert Newton the opportunity to continue his celebrated role as RL Stevenson's hero. Whilst many of the stories are predictably mundane, a few have genuine quality.
I specially like #3 The Orphan's Christmas which is a good old fashioned seasonal tale.
#4 Execution Dock is a semi-masterpiece all on its own.
#7 The Tale of a Tooth has Newton at his comic best suffering toothache.
Some of the series was shown this decade numerous times on the satellite channel 'Life'.
2 Pieces Of Eight
3 The Orphan's Christmas
4 Execution Dock
5 The Eviction
6 The Pink Pearl
7 The Tale of a Tooth
8 Ship O’ The Dead
9 Sword of Vengeance
10 Turnabout
11 Miss Purity's Birthday
12 Dead Reckoning
13 Devil's Stew
19 Dragon Slayer
Click episode title for my review
Historical Menu
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2 Pieces of Eight
Script: Martin Rackin. Director: Lee Sholem.
Government taxes are levied on every ship in harbour, but how can Long John pay? His only resource, Purity, turns him down, unless that is, he consents to marriage. No, he cries.
A solution comes with Salamander the Greek, a slimy traitor in league with the Spaniards. He has been captured by LJ's men, and in return for his life, offers to take LJ to where the Spanish fleet is lying, off the east coast of Panama. They are loading their ships with gold.
His plan appeals to the greedy side of LJ, though some think it's a trap. So with Jim and his crew, LJ hides their longboat for a quick getaway, "we'll need all our strength to strike."
"But it seems "a sight too easy" to relieve the train bearing the gold down to the Spanish ships. "Keep your eyes peeled," warns wily old LJ. His men carry the stolen gold back to the longboat but find it has been vandalised. How to get back now to their ship? There is only one way, a long trek across land under the burning sun. However Salamander claims to know a short cut.
The arduous trip soon proves dispiriting, one man is bitten by a snake, "he's dead." Thirst threatens, "but not that water," warns LJ, "he be drinkin' his own death, lad." Hunger too afflicts those remaining, though LJ believes "they've blubber enough from years of soft livin."
Another crew member dies. Dinner that night be leather, chewy if nothing else. Apparently there is no natural food growing in the area.
As they all sleep a weary sleep that night, Salamander sneaks away to mark the route they are taking. But LJ has rumbled him.
Now poor Jim has a fever and can barely drag one foot forward. "I'm afeared he be finished," LJ is told, but some jibes from the old pirate restore Jim to his tottering feet. They all fall into the trap prepared by Salamander, but cunning old LJ disguises the villain as himself, complete with one leg and forces him into the trap first. That be the end of Salamander. "Back the other way," is the cry now. They are free for the moment, though Jim really does need to be carried. The wearied crew stagger on under blazing sun, but finally reach their ship, thankfully bound for Portobello.
On board, Jim is nursed back to health, "he'll be shipshape Long John."
To the Long John Menu
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3
The Orphans' Christmas
Script: Martin Rackin and Kay Keavney.
A parade of orphans through the street, "there will be no talking," orders stern Miss Willoughby (Neva Carr-Glynn), but they do greet Jim Hawkins, who feels sorry for them.
"Christmas be for the little children!" cries Miss Purity, and when Jim recounts to her and LJ the tale of those wretched orphans, they are appalled, for "the old bag" Willoughby doesn't even permit her wards to celebrate the season. But in the spirit of the season, Miss Purity and the reverend take presents to Miss Willoughby for the orphans, but to their chagrin, she turns them away. With a barbed retort, Miss Purity shakes the dust off her feet at the hard woman. However LJ and Jim be a-watchin at her window and see another side to her, as she opens a box of mementoes.
The children are not asleep that Christmas Eve, when Jim peers in their window, inviting them to a party that "they'll remember as long as they live."
When Miss Willoughby spots her children are not in bed, Father Christmas, aka LJ, interrupts her further proceedings, "you an me be in for a long wait."
"It's like fairyland," at Miss Purity's party, and soon the nervous orphans are all smiles. Not so their guardian, she is actually in tears. LJ asks her "why do e 'ate Christmas so?" He hears how years ago at this time of the year, she had been jilted by a sailor. They were to elope at Christmas time. Why LJ knows the man, Richard Carstairs. Or knew him, rather, he loved you LJ tells her for the dying words on his lips had whispered Honoria Willoughby. 'Tis a grand story.
Sure, as the orphans gather round the Christmas tree and Miss Purity welcomes Father Christmas with "toys for all," Miss Willoughby promises to be kind from now onwards.
"So romantic," sighs Miss Purity, though LJ enlightens her to the more down to earth truth.
A heart warming seasonal story
Long John Silver Menu
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Execution Dock
Script: Martin Rackin and Kay Keavney.
Surreal, hardly children's fare, but curiously abstract. Were the writers under the influence of Samuel Beckett? Or anyway, under the influence....
At the Cask and Anchor, something's wrong, for LJ is paying "cash on the nail" for food yet not eatin' and buyin drink and not swiggin it down.
"He must be sick," declares Miss Purity, it's "landbound fever" according to LJ himself and it must be serious if he ain't drinkin his grog.
His crew kindly help him upstairs to bed where the doc (Alex Archdale) diagnoses he "might drop dead". Bad news, the patient must have peace and quiet, and worse, no grog.
"They might as well show me to the sharks," the despairing LJ confides in Jim. He composes his will, ship to Patch, gold sovs to Miss Purity and to Jim, "who's been like a son to me," an equal share in his crew's future booty.
In his fever, he sees soldiers enter his bedroom and arrest him for privacy. Through an echoing bare place, he is locked in a stone cell, where Captain Flint ("but you be dead") greets LJ warning he will have to account for his evil ways.
The worst follows as he is taken from here to the court presided over by Sir Henry, surely good news for LJ "what saved your daughter Elizabeth's life."
But worse still, his crew are siding against him. Patch is the Prosecutor, "but you and me were together."
Even worse, he's found guilty, so LJ makes a passionate plea for clemency, calling his first character witness Miss Purity. But, dressed in black, she speaks not up for "the good man," rather brands him a liar, "he's wasted the best years of my life."
So to Jim lad, who declares LJ must be "the worst pirate."
The sentence be inevitable, LJ must be hanged by the neck. Poor LJ is taken away for execution, the echoing sounds of his footsteps mingling with the clanging bells of doom.
The executioner, 'tis Eric, "I left you my pistols and my sea chest." As the chopper falls, he cries in sorrow, "they've all turned agin me," and the worst rub of all,
"and Little Jimmy, he ain't even cryin."
Tumbling out of bed, he awakes. His former friends gather round the sickbed and the doctor examines him, pronouncing a 100% improvement. Smiles all round, except LJ who has for the nonce to drink milk.
Arrh Jim lad, off to the Long John Silver Menu
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5 The Eviction
Good tale of a fop, Lord Ellington, who gets Miss Purity's tavern closed down (not pure enough!). Naturally she's upset, until LJ opens his big mouth and invites her aboard
The Faithful, "only temporary like."
To the ship she adds her "touch of home", and soon, says LJ, the crew will be knitting doileys. But he redeems the situation by exposing a Spanish plot
led by the foppish Lord. The gov offers him a reward. Money? "There be more important things to a man, " replies LJ, "than the jingle of gold."
All ends happily for him, as the tavern is reopened. It's not recorded
if Miss P is quite so pleased.
Long John Menu
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The Pink Pearl
Script: Martin Rackin
At the Cask and Anchor, LJ is guzzling as Jim reads Shakespeare, "the finest writer of them all." Rather jealous, LJ suggests "'e be a poor man to keep a log."
Enter a rich gent, Richard Thorpe by name (John Bonney), searching for his long lost brother, Geoffrey, a poet who had left London for an island paradise in the Caribbean and here he had found that there's a fortune to be made in pearls, "pink as a maiden's cheek."
Romantic minded Miss Purity stumps up the cash for LJ to transport Thorpe there, Jim is allowed to sail along as Richard offers to tutor him.
They reach the isle but no white man lives there, at least according to the natives. "Something rotten here," mutters LJ. Taker me to your chief, he orders. But the chief states "no white man ever here," adding they have no pearls, "we poor." Yet the chief's daughter Pelu (Jeannette Craig) seems to fix her eyes of Richard.
Secretly she approaches Jim. "Me friend," she offers, handing the lad a ring. When Jim shows it, Richard recognises it as his brother's. Pelu comes to LJ on the Faithful and tells them how Geoffrey had died, Spaniards rule the roost on the island, forcing the natives to dive for pearls.
LJ resorts to subterfuge, sailing away from the isle. Immediately the Spaniards emerge from hiding to continue their harvesting of the pearls. But while they gloat over their prize of pearls, "the English pigs" blow up the Spanish galleon and sharks finish off the job. "Amen."
LJ claims the island for Britain, three cheers, and Richard finds his happiness with Pelu. LJ returns to Portobello with pearls as a reward, he returns one to Miss Purity for financing the voyage but ever kind she is satisfied with LJ's "pearls of wisdom"
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The Tale of a Tooth
Script: Martin Rackin and Kay Keavney.
Old Angus MacAllister (Lou Vernon) is a miserly dentist, to whom LJ brings Jim lad who is "in sore pain." However Angus is bound hame for Scotland and Jim runs off scared. "I'm not a coward," he insists, and to prove it, following the dentist's advice, Jim allows LJ to attach string to a door which he slams shut, thus removing the offending tooth.
As a reward, Jim be allowed to sail with Long John and far out to sea the inevitable happens as LJ starts a groanin' and with his temper deteriorating shouts at his crew, it's the toothache.
A diversion is a shipwrecked sailor, from off the Bonnie Mary, which had been sunk by Spaniards.
Angus the dentist and one Mr Ross had been taken prisoner by the Spanish.
That night LJ just cannot sleep and Jim lad kindly asks what is wrong.
"The hammerin's beatin' so hard," cries LJ, "I can feel the pain in the toes in the leg I ain't got!"
"That's all that's wrong with you?" says Jim, "it's just a toothache." Clearly LJ is more of a coward than Jim! There's but one thing to do, and the crew do it, issue an ultimatum. "We be goin' to draw that tooth."
That gives LJ a bright idea. He'll rescue Angus. So that dark night LJ and his men creep up to the Spanish fort, overcome the guards and force their way into Angus' cell. The old man's rather stubborn, at first refusing to be rescued by such a villain, but Ross persuades him and the escape is on.
Now for Angus to give his reward. But it's a matter of professional pride. "Ma fee is half a crown." As LJ refuses to stump up, Angus paints LJ a nasty picture of what will happen as "rot sets in." Angus is to walk the plank for his refusal, but Jim convinces LJ to relent and, for half a crown, bravely LJ's tooth is extracted.
Two miles from shore, LJ threatens to tip Angus off his ship. He demands half a crown to dissuade him. Honours are even.
A nice piece of fun
To the Long John Silver Menu
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Ship O' The Dead
Script: Martin Rackin and Kay Keavney. Director: Lee Scholem.
"Like a dream come true," Jim has now been given his first boat. However Miss Purity has quite another type of dream, marriage. "I think I'd better be gone," mutters LJ hastily.
Jim is sailing on the open sea when he espies a drifting vessel. It is eerily silent. When he peers closer, he sees all the sailors are dead. The ship is The Rachel from Liverpool, bound for Portobello. But the harbourmaster refuses to give credence to Jim's tale, though LJ sails to the spot where Jim had seen The Rachel. Not there. LJ still believes Jim's story, just, but the governor has no such doubts, "either the boy has outclassed you in the gentle art of lying or your tales of adventure have turned his brain."
The mystery deepens when the ship does dock in Portobello where it picks up a cargo of bullion. Though LJ and Jim watch proceedings, nothing suspicious, and LJ is forced to concede Jim be only making up a yarn.
Yet Jim ponders what he had seen. How could dead men be alive? At night, alone, he pretends he's the cabin boy and snoops round the ship. But he is spotted, and brought before the captain (Kenneth J Warren, here as Ken Warren). Now a prisoner, Jim is to be dumped into the open sea.
His danger is now evident to those back on dry land. A survivor of the massacre on board The Rachel has related the sorry story, and Jim is suddenly believed, a little too late to help. Nonetheless, LJ gathers a crew to chase after these pirates.
But with the aid of his pocket knife, Jim has escaped his cabin and with the crew all drunk in celebration, Jim, with the aid of a pirate's gun, forces the helmsman to steer back to port.
The governor thanks Jim and Miss Purity is overjoyed to see Jim lad back home a hero. LJ is not too unhappy either, for he had helped himself to a little of the gold!
To the Long John Silver Menu
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To Long John Menu
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Sword of Vengeance
Script: Martin Rackin- rather more narration than usual or necessary in this story, and no sign of Jim or Miss Purity.
The Faithful has set sail for Portobello but "the holds be empty." Then hope rises as a Spanish ship hoves into sight. "Prime for battle," orders LJ.
But when they board, they find no Spanish, the ship is sinking, and down below English prisoners are lying dead, murdered. All except one, barely breathing, but "like a brother," the sick man is taken to The Faithful and nursed back to health. Still delirious, he mutters the dread name Fernando de Vegas, deadly Spanish swordsman. Later the man reveals his name is Shaun and that the Spaniards had tortured and killed his father vainly trying to discover the hiding place of the family gold. At that special word, LJ's ears prick up.
Once fully recovered, Shaun vows to avenge his family by killing de Vegas who has taken over his family island home, and, worse, Shaun's betrothed, Abbie, is being forced to marry de Vegas.
She is preparing to poison herself, rather than face such a fate. Besides she has been told Shaun is no more. About to take her first sip, fortune smiles as Shaun appeareth at her window.
He gives her the nice line, "I'd have come back from the grave to you," he also kisses her. Some unusually romantic music for this series, before Shaun takes his sword, and admits LJ and his men, who trick de Vegas' men into getting locked out of the castle. Shaun takes on de Vegas in a lengthy and ferocious duel in the traditional manner up and down a fairly grand staircase. Though wounded, finally Shaun strikes the fatal blow, "my father has been avenged."
Thus Shaun is happily reunited with his true love, though all LJ wants to know is, where's the gold? Yes, perhaps the script writer had been watching too many Errol Flynn movies
Long John Menu
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10 Turnabout
Script: Martin Rackin. Director: Lee Scholem.
Jim lad be a-writin' the ship's log, as dictated by LJ. They're near the end of a successful and "honest" voyage when a French ship The Richelieu runs them down and "One big pain in ze neck" Captain Francois de Villion takes over The Faithful. He's not in the best of tempers since he slips on a banana skin on boarding LJ's vessel.
But LJ seems to take it all remarkably philosophically, "c'est la guerre." Lt Leon (David Nettheim) is appointed new captain, LJ reduced to cook with Jim lad as galley boy. The rest of LJ's crew are in irons.
Leon is something of a gourmet and appreciates the fare LJ serves him, "you indeed are a master chef." So pleased is he, that he even invites LJ to dine alongside him.
Of course it's the lull before the storm. Indeed a storm is brewin' as LJ takes a knife to Leon's throat. Jim lad ties him up to the mast, a large helping of plum duff in his face to keep him quiet.
Then Jim frees the crew who in turn surprise their French counterparts. Roles reversed, the French are clapped in irons.
Now it is LJ dining on Leon's French cuisine, crepe suzette etc etc, Leon's culinary expertise so exceptional he is honoured with an invitation to dine with LJ.
They have reached port and governor Sir Henry Strong sentences the enemy to be hanged. But LJ cannot see this happen and he offers to take Leon on The Faithful to safe haven in Martinique.
The surprised Frenchman naturally agrees and at The Cask and Anchor he dons the disguise of a maid.
Governor Strong is not amused to find his prisoner has escaped. He searches LJ's inn, only finding a certain Miss Leone, allegedly LJ's niece. One soldier even offers to date her, so attractive does she seem.
So all is well, and the two cooks prepare a slap up meal, there is however a certain lack of trust twixt the pair of them. LJ is cooked a flambe which mysteriously explodes. However he isn't that bothered, for he had doctored Leon's plum duff
Long John Menu
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Miss Purity's Birthday
Script: Martin Rackin and Kay Keavney. Director: Lee Scholem.
This starts with the standard introduction, Jim relating how Governor Strong in Portobello had placed him in the care of "good" pirate LJ, though, he informs us, Miss Purity Pinker of the Cask and Anchor is his real guardian.
However she is not a society lady, and at the governor's residence celebrating the birthday of Miss Elizabeth (Jeanne Whittey), the gossip is about Jim's unfortunate background. Miss Purity is distinctly out of place.
"Wasn't it a lovely party?" sighs Jim after. But sad Miss Purity is reminiscing of her old lost youth, "as the years roll on."
She does confide to the busy reverend that tomorrow, March 16th, is her own birthday, but LJ "is no good for birthdays," for he is too busy preparing to set sail on the Faithful.
"Go and don't come back," cries Miss Purity bitterly, as she sees that her special day has been forgotten. She comforts herself with her childhood doll, and wallows in nostalgic memories.
Next day, she's the only one to wish herself a Happy Birthday, LJ has already set sail. "I be finished with Long John for ever." Everyone gets the sharp edge of her tongue, Jim not comprehending why she is so worked up. But at least she gets one present from his reverence, a bunch of red roses. He persuades her to join him in his "service for others" as he visits the sick and needy.
While Jim attends a boating party organised by Governor Strong, she finds satisfaction in nursing Widow Flynn, bathing a young child and even delivering a baby for Mrs Watt. "You've been like an angel from heaven," the mother thanks her.
Returning to the tavern, awaiting is a lovely birthday surprise, LJ has returned with a giant cake and Miss Purity relapses in tears. "You darlin' man, I never doubted!" A "beautiful" new hat is her present as endeth this rather wistful story, with LJ taking a back seat
Long John Menu
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12 Dead Reckoning To avoid being forcibly returned to England, Jim lad has to be sent abroad to boarding school but he's caned so often for the misdemeanours of a posh twerp he runs away.
Will he be able to set a course for home by dead reckoning that Long John has taught him?
Long John Silver Menu
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13 Devil's Stew - LJ's gambling debts force him to follow the example of reformed pirate Dixon into "honest tradin'."
His cargo - pigs and goats! Fortunately he's ready in case Dixon betrays any dishonest treachery
Long John Silver Menu
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19 Dragon Slayer
Script: Martin Rackin and Kay Keavney.
"Miss Purity salts the food with her tears," at least according to Ironhand she does, now that LJ has departed after a quarrel. "The loud mouthed ruffian" has got to apologise, but will he? The Bull and Blunderbuss is doing well out of it all, for LJ and his crew are now frequenting that tavern, though in no happy frame of mind, while at The Cask and Anchor Miss Purity is building up a more respectable clientele, even though, let's be honest, it's "uncommonly empty." Welcome is Captain Redbeard, especially as he flatters "the sweet woman."
'Tis enough to make LJ jealous, his old enemy carryin' on like this, and LJ returns to The Cask and Anchor for a bit of a fracas, "fight you swab." With some of the enemy still breathin' LJ unwisely takes Redbeard's advice and retreats, following Redbeard's advice to be "masterful" with Miss Purity. Anything to win her back.
"If he really loved me, we'd have been wed long ago," sighs Miss Purity, who's also being strung along by Redbeard.
The mischievous pirate suggests to LJ that he can win her back by staging a fake rescue, after Redbeard has abducted her. The rendezvous is Dead Man's Bay, but wily Redbeard has carried off Miss Purity, and her jewels, and gone in the opposite direction to Broken Finger Point.
Jim has followed Redbeard as he goes to LJ's ship and removed his strong box containing gold, and he wises LJ, who like a Knight in Shinin' Armour rescues Miss Purity, as well as his gold box. Thus the "old dragon slayer" be forgiven
Long John Menu
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SIR LANCELOT
with William Russell as Sir Lancelot.
The production company Sapphire stated at the start of 1957 that although the cost was a third more, the series was now being filmed in colour.
The reasoning was- "the product will not be outmoded when colour TV finally gets here."
Thankfully most of these coloured films have been preserved on the Network dvd, making this series almost unique amongst 1950's British television.
An interesting problem during the filming of the series was King Arthur's Round Table. Art director Peter Proud had to design a special one made of Swedish wood. It was 14ft in diameter and had seven removable 'slices' each weighing 56lb, so cameras could move in for close ups.
Edmund Hockridge made a test recording of the theme song, but the producers were never able to repeat the success of the Robin Hood theme.
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 King Balmain must marry the fair Helen for her kingdom, but she loves another, Sir Oringel. With very little assistance from Sir Kay, Lance ensures true love does run smooth
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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, Lance 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) - King Arthur, Merlin and Lance visit Sir Egbert and his two daughters, the lovely Amora and her snivelling sister Sybil (Carol Marsh). When the ugly sister is subject to a death threat, Lance is assigned to protect her, to her obvious delight. However Merlin proves she is the author of the threat herself but then another threat on her life. Comedy turns into a detective story as Arthur and Lance track down the new kidnapper. Rescued, Sybil smartens herself up and is now more than the equal of Amora, "that's a wonderful time of life"
26 KNIGHT'S CHOICE
with Robert Hardy
27 THE MORTAISE AFFAIR The Madras Emerald is stolen from Queen Guinevere. As it was a present from a rajah, we have the makings of an international crisis, so Lance announces he has found the emerald, even though he is lying, but it's in a good cause, to find that thief
28 THE PRINCE OF LIMERICK
29 THE MISSING PRINCESS (only in b/w)
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
Menu
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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
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The Adventures of the Scarlet Pimpernel (1955)
"They Seek Him Here, They Seek Him There, Those Frenchmen Seek Him Everywhere.
Is He In Heaven, Is He in Hell, That Cursed Elusive Pimpernel?"
Marius Goring starred as Sir Percy "in flowed satin," but secretly the famous Scarlet Pimpernel, the curse of France and especially Citizen Chauvelin. 
"I enjoyed playing the Pimpernel," Goring stated 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!"
This was the first British television attempt at the filmed historical series genre, and Goring comes over as just a bit too clever. He's not really that likeable, not dashing like Robin Hood or Dan Tempest. Despite all his fun in disguise, he's lacking the lightness of touch of the true tv hero. More adept at creating the right atmosphere of tongue in cheek fun is Alexander Gauge, as the foppish Prince of Wales, perhaps here can be seen also his embryonic Friar Tuck.
1 The Hostage
2 Sir Percy's Wager
3 Lady in Distress (film print)
4 The Elusive Chauvelin
6 The Sword of Justice
8 Sir Andrew's Fate
9 The Ambassador's Lady
10 The Christmas Present
14 Antoine and Antoinette
18 The Tale of Two Pigtails (final story)
Historical Menu
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The Hostage
An American voiceover introduces "the immensely rich and immensely foolish" Sir Percy Blakeney. At present he is idly musing over flower satin waistcoats with The Prince of Wales, when Chauvelin is announced. Sir Percy, alias The Scarlet Pimpernel tuts over the Frenchman's cravat and hereinafter calls him Shovelon.
This man's request is to stop the "meddlesome" activities of SP. But His Majesty pertinently retorts, "why should a British subject meddle in the politics of France?"
That exactly describes SP's latest mission, to rescue the Baroness Suzanne de Fleury (Yvonne Furneaux). He and Tony (Robert Shaw) effect her rescue, just as she is being carried off to the guillotine. Their coach deliberately crashes into her as she is en route to her death.
"It is better you do not see my face," SP tells her, leading to awkward scenes in which he is seen only in shadow. This motif was soon dropped from the series. SP informs her she is being taken to England and safety, but she cannot go, for Chauvelin is holding her son Pierre as hostage. SP reassures her she will be reunited with Pierre. "God go with you."
SP's first move is simply to annoy Shovelon. Then he promises, as Sir Percy, to find out the names of some of the anti revolutionary supporters.
The coachman whose coach SP had bought to effect the crash that brought about the Baroness' escape, could identify SP, so SP impersonates him in Chauvelin's presence, offering every assistance in rounding about SP. Chauvelin jumps at the chance, knowing that SP is likely to try and snatch Pierre. "I have four men watching ze child, he will have a warm reception."
Of course, if anyone it's Chauvelin who gets the warm bit, a surprise change of character from coachman to SP as he grabs Pierre, "we're going to take you to your mother." As Chauvelin is taken as hostage now, it is easy for SP to get away.
"I wish I knew your face," sighs Chauvelin.
The baroness is most grateful as SP explains why he helped, it was to fight injustice. Another reason perhaps, is "the touch of romance," as he kisses her farewell
Scarlet Pimpernel Menu
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Sir Percy's Wager
His Highness' game of cards is interrupted with news that Lady Caroline, who had married a French count, has been arrested. She will go to the guillotine unless, Chauvelin announces, the activities of the Pimpernel are stopped. But noone of course knows SP's identity.
Hastings travels to France with SP. All Englishmen are being watched by Chauvelin's men, in the vain hope of uncovering the identity of SP. Thus SP's hotel room is searched, "what the deuce is he up to?"
SP proposes a trip to the country, for no reason in particular, but finds all roads are blocked, order of Citizen Chauvelin. SP and Hastings complain about such treatment, taking their case straight to the top, Chauvelin himself. Chauvelin entertainingly explains to SP that he is trying to trap the Pimpernel. Chauvelin knows that such a fop as Sir Percy could never be SP!
Dinner at Francois' tavern. By careful listening SP learns the time set for the execution of Countess Caroline. Posing as drunkards, he and Hastings kidnap a coachman, then Chauvelin himself, concluding in their hotel room and smuggling the Countess away in a cask of Amontillado. The sequence is long and tedious, with the drunks singing London's Burning too often, so "ze countess escapes." SP and Hastings have a perfect alibi, none other than Citizen Chauvelin himself. Countess Carrie gets safe back to England thanks to SP who wins a wager of 100 guineas. That wager was that Chauvelin would not stop SP.
Despite all the fun at poor Chauvelin's expense this is a muddled and poor story
Scarlet Pimpernel Menu
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The Elusive Chauvelin
SP is practising his fencing skills with Sir Andrew, idly chatting about Christine Hobson who seems to have won SP's heart, "one day perhaps, when our work is finished..."
Then a shock. A blackmail demand for £500 or Sir Percy will be exposed as the Pimpernel. Take the money to the Travellers Rest. But then relief, for it seems almost every British nobleman has received a similar demand, everyone except The Prince of Wales.
At a dance hosted by the Countess la Villiere, SP dances with Christine, who informs him that her brother George is about to catch the elusive Pimpernel, he's going to The Travellers Rest. But George's plan backfires as Chauvelin takes him prisoner there, believing he must be SP. His bait of the blackmail notes has succeeded! SP and Sir Andrew attempt to rescue George, but for once Chauvelin is too wily, and takes George away to France to face the guillotine.
SP and Sir Andrew follow on, and at a French tavern they try to trick the "scoundrel's" executioner Louis (is it Christopher Lee?), but he sees that they are no peasants but aristos themselves and SP barely escapes arrest himself.
While SP distracts Chauvelin, Sir Andrew nicks some of the great citizen's wardrobe, even down to his wig. Thus disguised as Chauvelin, SP boldly marches into the prison where George is held, and swaps clothes, George now emerging as Chauvelin. But how does SP get out of jail free?
A baffled Chauvelin quickly investigates when he hears he is supposed to have been at the prison. He knows he hasn't been. In the cell he is attacked by SP who then emerges as Chauvelin, leaving the poor real Chauvelin gagged. When he shouts for help he's ignored on Chauvelin's own instructions, "you blundering fool" and other similar complaints follow.
Thus George is free and back in England honourably does not divulge the true identity of the Pimpernel
Scarlet Pimpernel Menu
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Sword of Justice
Count Latour (Ian Fleming) brings terrible news as he flees to England, that he has been tricked by no less than SP himself! On the boat across the Channel, his family had been thrown overboard, and his possessions seized. SP is no better than any ordinary criminal.
Naturally The Prince of Wales is appalled and even agrees to collaborate with the French authorities to capture SP. For SP himself, the question to resolve is, just who is this imposter? Sir Percy even offers his services to Chauvelin to help bring SP to justice. Set a thief to catch a thief, he proposes and a doubtful Chauvelin is all but persuaded to adopt a disguise to work the oracle. But not quite.
Hastings discovers that a girl named Georgette in Paris is introducing French aristos to the Pimpernel.
Dubois is a footman, another disguise of SP, and he has better luck with Chauvelin.
He gets Chauvelin to wait for SP's alleged rendezvous with a fleeing duke at a lonely cottage in a forest. Still as Dubois, SP goes to the tavern where Georgette hangs out. Here he meets Sir Thomas (Brian Wilde) and Georgette who agrees to take SP to meet... himself!
They are taken to the lonely cottage and the trap, though the imposter nearly gets away. But the real SP stops him in a swordfight
to the death.
But not quite to the death, for Sir Thomas is arrested as the imposter, and justice will run its course. SP lives to fight another day
Scarlet Pimpernel Menu
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Sir Andrew's Fate
In assisting a French nobleman flee France, Sir Andrew Ffoulkes is shot by pursuing soldiers, and to ensure their mission is not spoiled, Andrew jumps off their stage coach to lie wounded in long grass. "I'm afraid they may have got him," a worried Hastings later informs SP.
If Sir Andrew yet lives, it is likely he might return to his latest girl Colette Duclos (Balbina). She lives with the celebrated Madame Tussaud and has already been questioned by Citizen Chauvelin who is hot on the trail of Sir Andrew.
SP has vowed to find his friend, and boldly, in disguise, presents himself as Citizen Max of the Marseilles Police, sent by Robespierre himself. "Not even you are entirely above suspicion," he tells an outraged Chauvelin. Together they will capture Sir Andrew.
SP next goes to Madame Tussauds where he is knocked unconscious, a suspected enemy. His fate is in ze balance. But Andrew is on hand to identify him and soon SP is receiving profuse apologies. Andrew is here, being nursed back to health by Colette and he persuades her to come back to England with him. But how, with guards on the watch for him? The way is dreamed up by SP.
Poor Chauvelin is handed the dead corpse of Sir Andrew. In fact it is one of Madame Tussaud's wax models. The real Sir Andrew is making his way, with signed documents from Chauvelin himself, to the ship bound for England.
Though Chauvelin does discover he has been duped as the corpse's head drops off, he's too late to prevent the ship sailing
Scarlet Pimpernel Menu
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The Ambassador's Lady
Enter Sir Percy in all his foppish pomp, at a banquet, for once we never see him in his role as the Pimpernel. But he still takes down Citizen Chauvelin of the Public Safety Committee a peg, on the subject of his attire. Chauvelin is wearing what he considers the latest in neckwear, the material, declares Sir Percy, used by the artistocracy as a blanket for horses..
Next to arrive are Jacques and Renee Fleury, newly married, and she's "certainly a most attractive young lady" according to Lord Hastings.
Now enters the Prince of Wales (Alexander Gauge) whose brief speech announces the ending of friction between England and the new French Republic thanks to Citizen Chauvelin's plan to instal a new French Ambassador in England, Fleury (William Franklyn) no less.
What puzzles Sir Percy is what lies behind Chauvelin's scheme. Generously, Sir Percy places his town house at Fleury's disposal. Here Hastings seems to be getting yet more smitten with Renee.
Sir Percy warns Hastigns of the etiquette of the matter and departs for France. At Dover he and Sir Andrew spot Chauvelin who is meeting up with Chicon, a known assassin. "What's he doing here?" Fleury must be their target. His death would provoke all out war, England v France. So the trip to France is postponed.
Hastings is now kissing Renee, ripe for a diplomatic incident. The bait is well and truly taken when he's discovered in her boudoir. He is forced to write a compromising note which is to commence My Beloved Renee. It's lucky Sir Andrew has followed Sir Percy's orders and been on watch, and he comes to Hastings' rescue. Renee however takes control, holding her gun. But in a subsequent struggle she is shot by Chicon.
Hastings wants to avenge her killing, as does, naturally, Fleury himself. The latter has first go and at the dock a fight concludes with the assassin tipped in the drink.
Relations with France could have sunk to a low, but Fleury's statement that it was a Frenchman who caused his wife's death fortunately prevents all that
Scarlet Pimpernel Menu
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The Christmas Present
Lashings of Christmas cheer in this one, though Sir Percy starts off as though the future Scrooge, claiming not to like Christmas, nor indeed children, and he certainly has no desire to get married.
Yet the "wild party" he is to attend, is in reality a mission to rescue four French nobles, held in a grand house near Nantes. SP is puzzled why they are not being held in a prison, but having scaled a snowy wall, and through a snowy window (I said this was a Christmassy tale), by good fortune he bumps into the marquis Jean Paul (Christopher Toyne), no more than a child. His sister Renee (Nicola Braithwaite) is asleep in their room, along with the Comte Charles (Richard Rogers) and Antoinette "only a baby" (Leslie Dudley). SP takes her in his arms and invites them to his Christmas party. "There isn't any Christmas any more in France," is the very sad response. But they're keen to go with SP. He effects their escape by painting spots on Antoinette, and then as a doctor declares the youngsters all have the plague.
By order of Citizen Chauvelin he has to take the children away, though a real doctor, puzzled, nearly thwarts the scheme.
On a donkey's back a la seasonal tale, the youngest ride until shelter is sought for the night. In a poor home, there is room for them to stay, the wife sharing what little festive food they have, "though the glorious Revolution has abolished it." SP delivers a sermonette on the meaning of sharing at Christmas, "France will be France again when she remembers Christmas."
Soldiers search the house, and it is tempting for the poor family to give the children away, with the offer of a huge reward, but they don't.
Thus safely the children reach England, even the donkey is made welcome in SP's drawing room. His housekeeper Mrs Burton hardly bats an eyelid at such a scene, so happy is she to have children for Christmas, "it's a wonderful Christmas present."
The story concludes with Marius Goring singing the last verse of The Twelve Days of Christmas, after which everyone happily joins in, making this a memorable Christmas special
Scarlet Pimpernel Menu
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Antoin and Antoinette
This is narrated like a charming fairy story, but it proves disappointingly stodgy.
Antoin and Antoinette are to be married, but their happiness is terribly marred when the evil Chauvelin arrests them. Antoinette's younger sister Elise (Gillian Town) is also in love, but only with an ideal, that of the Pimpernel. When her sister is arrested she hacks Chauvelin's shins and runs away.
Now she happens to stumble across her hero, not realising it is he.
She explains to SP she is looking for the Pimpernel to help rescue her sister from the guillotine. Indeed SP had been on his way to achieve that very thing.
In Placassier, the cruellest judge in all Revolutionary France is about to pronounce their death sentence when the court is interrupted. When the judge returns, he has subtly changed, indeed he is SP in disguise. He orders the prisoners be taken to Paris, and it was so.
Chauvelin finds the real judge gagged and gives chase after the two lovers. Still in disguise, kindly SP informs her that she is sentenced, along with Antoin and Anoinette, to be deported to England.
It all looks promising until at an inn in Valbonne, Chauvelin happens to find them. But a maid, SP in disguise yet once more, knows that the way to Chauvelin's heart is via his stomach, and some Potage Normandie followed by Poulet does the job. That, plus some drink, though Chauvelin doesn't quite fall for it. "I did underestimate your intelligence," admits the maid, alias SP.
So at last Chauvelin found himself face to face with the Pimpernel, and in the ensuing swordfight, SP, presumably as a gallant gentleman, actually hands the wicked Frenchman an axe, but still defeats him.
Thus "the lovers sped to the coast," and safety
Scarlet Pimpernel Menu
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The Tale of Two Pigtails
This story introduces, it says, Maureen Connell, who plays Princess Melanie, though perhaps more of interest is the foot of the cast list where "1st Soldier" is played by Peter O'Toole.
Chauvelin's latest scheme to stop the French aristo's fleeing to Britain is to use Calais fisherman Pierre Sabot to pretend to offer the rich passage to England, only to betray them to the French authorities. The latest fly in the trap is Princess Melanie who has been captured at the harbour, and is now awaiting to be taken to Paris "to make the acquanitance of Madame Guillotine." Sabot is paid for his deed, but on this occasion the fisherman gives Chauvelin what he deserves, a hefty punch and escorts the princess to a waiting boat. Of course, on this occasion Sabot was SP in disguise!
A furious Chauvelin chases after the princess, from Dover to London. Here SP, now as Sir Percy, is advising the Prince of Wales on his wardrobe. There is to be a reception, and Chauvelin presents himself here ("can't stand the fellow").
The "exquisite" princess is introduced to her former captor, who is now fuming, but surely he cannot recapture her here? He tries. The princess has been given some rooms in the Chinese wing, which is currently undergoing redecoration in the true Chinese style. Chang is the esteemed decorator, but Sir Andrew diverts him to enable SP to disguise himself was the Chinaman, ready to greet the intruder. Chauvelin climbs a ladder into the princess' room to get a shock. "He who pokes nose in wrong bed, deserves to lose face." Ejected from the room, down the ladder, goodbye Chauvelin.
The princess thanks SP profusely for rescuing her, again. Chauvelin complains to the Prince about this "oriental charlatan," rashly offering a thousand guineas if Chang is not an imposter. To Chauvelin's embarrassment, despite much pulling of his beard, it seems this Chang really is genuine
Scarlet Pimpernel Menu
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Sword of Freedom (1957)
AVAILABLE ON DVD from the usual outlets.
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).
The series depicted the struggle of the people of Florence for liberty against their despotic rulers, the banking house of Medici.
This was no masterpiece of a series, but the stories from the Hannah Weinstein stable, are competent and always enjoyable.
The picture: the star alongside Marianne Benet
1 'Francesca' - opening story
2 'The Sicilian'
4 'Caterina'
6 'Portrait in Emerald Green'
7 'The Duke'
11 'The Ship'
Historical Menu
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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!
To Sword of Freedom Menu
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The Duke
Unrest among the locals, Medici demands more troops to prevent any rebellion, or does he want them for more sinister reasons? "To keep power, one has to walk a tightrope." Spanish troops are readily available, to be supplied by
the Duke of Ferrara (Richard Pasco). But how to pay for the troops? An arranged marriage would please the Duke, and Francesca is the lucky girl, but is Marco so happy? He attempts to persuade "the most eligible lady in Florence" not to marry the Duke. She is not however impressed by Marco's motives, she realises this marriage is but a political alliance.
The Duke is readily in favour of the marriage, but only if Francesca herself, whom he admires greatly, is willing herself. The Duke is not in favour of any political union, he wants true love!
But Medici has a trump card, for he has captured the Duke's brother, and unless the marriage goes ahead, there will be an execution.
Marco and Machiavelli 'borrow' two soldiers' uniforms to sneak into the Duke's property. A trail of gunpowder is laid from the magazine room to the very place where The Duke dines with Medici, who is being held as a kind of prisoner. Marco forces them to the magazine room, on pain of an explosion, but they have a swordfight, Marco of course the victor and the whole scheme collapses as Marco ironically frees Medici.
Back in Florence poor Medici has to explain why his mission has failed. "I've got to thank him for helping me," he rants. And Francesca and Marco patch things up with a kiss
To Sword of Freedom Menu
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With scripts by the accomplished Paul Tabori and Stanley Miller, this was an ambitious last TV series by the
Danziger Brothers.
Dermot Walsh starred as Richard The Lionheart
with support in many episodes from
Robin Hunter as Sir Gilbert,
Iain Gregory as Blondel, and
Alan Haywood as Sir Geoffrey.
Others who appear in several stories were
Trader Faulkner as Prince John (and other roles),
Sheila Whittingham as Queen Berengaria,
John Longden as Sir Thomas,
Marne Maitland as Saladin,
Francis de Wolff as King Leopold,
Michael Peake as Conrad of Montserrat,
Conrad Phillips as Guy of Lusignan, and Anton Rodgers as Sir Kenneth.
Publicity for Richard the Lionheart from Associated Rediffusion, who purchased the series:
The factual accuracy of this 1961 series was vouched for by three historians, "one being a master at a famous public school."
A castle with moat and drawbridge was built in Hertfordshire, designed like a real 12th century castle by Art Director Roy Stannard, who also designed portions of an Austrian castle, parts of contemporary London and Richard's desert camp. Over 3,000 costumes were made.
Fights were staged by Paddy Ryan, using Olympic swordsmen in many jousts. "Fights were so realistic that weapons were broken daily." 100+ horses were employed, other animals included camels, goats, a puma, a tiger, and a lion which the recent Danziger dvd admitted was pretty docile.
The 39 stories covered the events leading up to Richard's coronation in 1189 (#1-9). "A later story tells of his betrothal and marriage to Princess Berengaria in 1190 (#12). This marriage caused a long and bitter feud between Richard and King Philip of France... The first Crusade in 1191 occupies a number of episodes (#12-24) which cover the capture of Acre (#16), the arrival at the walls of Jerusalem (#24) and the King's capture by the Duke of Austria (#28). Or course Richard's ransom (#29) and return to England is included and introduces his great ally Robin Hood (#30)."
To Main Historical Menu
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1 Long Live the King
An impressive opening story, that introduces well the recurring motif of Bad Prince John, and his hate relationship with his brother Richard, who proves a gentler older wiser head.
You can't blame some knights for proposing John be proclaimed King when
Richard fails to turn up at his own father's deathbed.
But what kept him?
Bad Sir Philip (Peter Reynolds) has sent him on a false errand
to sign a peace treaty with Catherine, a seductive French princess (Lisa Daniely).
When King Henry expires, Prince John attempts to get elder son Richard disowned: "I
think I would be more worthy of the crown." He even declares that the dying Richard
had indeed declared John the new king.
Fortunately Richard eludes the treacherous
Philip and brings Catherine to substantiate the reason for his delay.
Unfortunately she
lies through their teeth so there's only one way for Richard to prove his honour - go to
the Field of Combat with Sir Philip
Richard the Lionheart start
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2 The Lion and the Eagle
As new King Richard rides into
London, it's "like the plague," everyone is scared of him, because Bad John has
spread vile rumours about tax increases.
The 'Eagle' is the nickname of a rather
feebly acted Queen Eleanor. But Prince John makes up for her deficiencies in the
acting stakes, and in nastiness, as he shrewdly guesses Richard won't want to be
crowned whilst his kidnapped mum is missing. "You will never spread your wings
and fly away from me," he poetically warns her.
But Richard follows her expensive
trail of scattered trinkets and finally confronts his errant kinsman in a "forgotten"
castle.
John is ordered to get out of all England. As noone accompanies him, there's a
fat chance of that happening!
To Richard the Lionheart start
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3
The Robbers of Ashdown Forest
All is jolly at the feast celebrating Richard's 1189 coronation in Westminster Hall, medieval jugglers entertaining while the jolly talk is of peace.
The spell is broken when Sir Geoffrey brings news of an uprising in the north, behind it of course is Prince John. At Stoke Castle he is already preparing for his coronation in London, surrounded by de Glenville (John Gabriel) and de Bohun (Raymond Rollett) who, like all good baddies, seem to be planning their own treachery.
En route to quell the rebellion, in Ashdown Forest 50 miles south of York, Richard and his entourage get somehow lost and stumble on an entertaining imitation of Robin Hood, a bandit leader in the forest, Edmund the Saxon (a chirpy Glyn Owen) who cares "nothing for any king." He opens the king's eyes to the greed of the tax collectors.
As a Saxon, he supports neither John nor Richard, though he believes it high time the feud twixt Norman and Saxon is ended.
Quarterstaffs- that's the weapon Richard chooses "to fight for breakfast" with Edmund, all good nature,
until Richard becomes the new King of the Forest. Edmund recognises he is also King of England, and together they settle down to a feast fit for a king.
Edmund and Richard disguise themselves as pedlars to try to learn when John is to march on London. The rustic yokels scale the castle wall and spot dozens of jars full of oil. Having broken the jars, they fetch some more urgently, learning they are needed for the morrow's march south.
An ambush is set up in the forest, "may God defend the right." A full scale sword fight, with rolling in the mud before John's rather minuscule retinue are put to the sword. John however, rather predictably, has already galloped off.
Thus Edmund and all his followers are given the king's pardon, Edmund kneels, "rise Sir Edmund of the Forest."
I liked this part of Glyn Owen's, he could have been used to good effect in this series
To the Richard the Lionheart start
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4 The Wolf of Banbury
Rich Lady Rosalie, engaged to Sir Geoffrey, is kidnapped by "renegade
murderer" 'The Wolf' (Francis de Wolff!). Aided by his henchman (John Bennett)
who does a passable imitation of a dieting Charles Laughton in The Hunchback of
Notre Dame, the nasty Wolf plans to marry the fair maiden.
However King Richard,
posing as an outlaw, joins the Wolf's band, and proves his worth by kidnapping the
poor Bishop of Oxford. He's to perform the marriage ceremony: "it will be interesting
to tame you when we are married," Wolf tells Rosalie.
That of course can never be,
and Richard fights the villain on the battlements
To Richard the Lionheart start
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School for a King
At Chinon Abbey in France, Richard is handed a document written by his father King Kenry, full of royal wisdom that will enable him to become a good king. Summary: power corrupts, courage and justice are a king's attributes.
With this vision before him, Richard dons servant's clothes and rides to Falaise, getting his friends to treat him as a serf. While they are in camp, there's the sound of dogs barking, "the quarry is human."
Pierre and his wife Margot are the pursued. They tell of their poverty, they are unable to pay the new tax levied to pay for Richard's coronation. Who has demanded such a tax? The Constable of Falaise, installed by King Henry himself, Stephen of Tours (Peter Illing). It seems that though he had once been loyal to the crown, power and money have made him greedy.
The pursuers are deflected in their hunt for their quarry and the disguised Richard rides to Falaise, where Sir Gilbert is refused an audience with Stephen. From the townsfolk Richard learns a few home truths.
Lady Blanche (Dawn Beret), Stephen's daughter is apparently going to be married to the new king- that's Stephen's plan and he soon gets his opportunity. Pierre and Margot are taken prisoner and summarily sentenced to death, along with Blondel who had helped them. But Richard intervenes to good effect, breaking his cover. Pierre and Margot are forgiven and Stephen forced to apologise. All local taxes are hereby remitted.
To show his penitence, Stephen entertains Richard who isn't fooled and demands, "I want an account of your stewardship." Stephen's response is to lock Richard in a prison, but locals supported by Sir Gilbert and SIr Geoffrey stage a revolt resulting in a huge fight.
But in his fortress Stephen attempts to force Richard into marriage. "Too much power" has indeed corrupted Stephen who demands to be made regent of France and marry Blanche. Instead the once powerful leader has to flee and in a nice twist this fugitive from justice, desperate for food, stumbles on Pierre and Margot and has to beg them for sustenance.
He is taken to into the presence of Richard who is now being acclaimed by his loyal subjects. If anyone will speak up for Stephen, then Richard will show mercy on him. Silence. Then Margot puts in a pitying word.The king shows clemency. A well rounded story with a clear moral lesson
To the Richard the Lionheart menu
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Crown in Danger
Sir Philip (Peter Reynolds) - see story #1- held prisoner in Rouen Castle, tricks Sir Gilbert and takes him hostage at knifepoint, thus making good his escape with his mates. King Richard gives chase but Sir Philip decides to make for the castle of his cousin Bertrand, "a madman" who keeps lions in side his castle. To them Bertrand throws any unwanted prisoners, earning him the nickname Lord of the Beasts.
The king is delayed by a rather pointless fight with one Sir Percy who asks for royal assistance as his fiancee Katherine has been snatched from him by one Sir Bertrand. But the king says he is too busy rescuing Sir Gilbert, not realising he too is a prisoner of Bertrand. So Percy challenges his king to a duel. No prizes for guessing the winner.
Cousin Bertrand (Kevin Brennan) is indeed ferocious with fierce beasts to boot, well we do see one lion. He has a sort of James Robertson Justice swagger. He devises a plan with Sir Philip. This is surprisingly to allow Gilbert to escape, which he does, with the aim of luring the king inside the castle. This works as Richard braves the lion- well, he is called Lionhearted-
to converse with Bertrand who is surprisingly docile, like a doped lion. In fact he is happy to betray his cousin in return for being created local ruler and being giving royal approval for his marriage to Katherine.
Philip gets wind of this treachery and plans some of his own, but his own men have nasty ideas too, and Philip ends up in the claws of the lion.
Now Richard fights, for a change it's with the lion. We never see king and lion in the same shot, except briefly when a stuffed lion's head menaces the king.
The baddies are all taken prisoner, even Sir Philip is not too badly injured to escape his trial. The Lord of the Beasts' lands are by royal decree given to Sir Percy who also is given his fiancee's hand in marriage and so nearly everyone is happy, except naughty Sir Percy and the unfierce Bertrand
Richard the Lionheart menu
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The Pirate King
In Honfleur, Richard is waiting impatiently for his galley to take him back to England. Locals inform him of pirates who terrorise ships in the vicinity. In fact they have attacked Sir Geoffrey who is sitting happily on the beach in the arms of Rosalie his intended. A pirate forces Sir Geoffrey to take him to the king. He's acting as an envoy from the Pirate King, Giles I also known as Forkbeard (Martin Benson). Sir Thomas (John Longden) reads out his message to Richard, a proposal of a treaty as though the two are on equal footing. That Richard cannot accept and sends the envoy packing.
Forkbeard's response is to attack the king's galley, on which sails Sir Gilbert. He brings the bad news to Richard, who poses as a soldier at an inn where Forkbeard often recruits men. He gets his chance to sign on, with a motley gang, and is ushered into King Giles' presence. "Nobody fools me." King Richard is recognised. No treaty he repeats. However as Forkbeard likes a game of chess, Richard offers an odd gamble. If Richard loses, he'll sign the treaty. If he wins, Forkbeard is his prisoner.
"I've never been beaten yet," boasts Forkbeard, and while the battle rages on the board, Richard and Forkbeard's men are manouevring outside the pirate ship. Sir Geoffrey's men are victors in the resulting skirmish and dress as pirates to board Forkbeard's ship.
The chess match is at a critical stage, Forkbeard announcing checkmate. But King Richard disputes it, he's playing to English rules while the pirate is using French rules, whatever that means. So according to Richard, he wins! But in real life, it is Richard who is taken prisoner by the pirates, but not for very long as Sir Geoffrey's men leap to the rescue. Now it's hand to hand fighting, Richard v Forkbeard.
Victory supplies Richard with a suitable vessel in which to make his journey to England. But before he departs, he presides over Forkbeard's trial. Sir Gilbert is granted his vengeance, in retaliation for the attack on the royal galley, and shaves off just half of the pirate's beard. That's sufficient punishment, and magnanimously, Richard entrusts to Forkbeard the command of the ship that is to carry him to England
To Richard the Lionheart menu
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The Alchemist of Rouen
Something of the influence of the Hammer horrors can be seen in this story, with Trader Faulkner trading his role of King John into a disguised Villanus, aptly named alchemist.
Sir Gilbert is promised a barony, but only when he brings the king a lock of the devil's hair. Spoken in jest, the story shows how Sir Gilbert achieved his aim.
Lady Rosalie, daughter of Sir Thomas, is engaged to Sir Geoffrey de Lacey, but the worried girl tells the king how he seems to have become bewitched, walking round in a kind of stupor.
King Richard does find Sir Geoffrey as though he is sleepwalking. In a trance he wanders the street, making for the premises of an alchemist.
"I don't believe in hocus pocus and superstition," the plain speaking king tells his friends. The king finds Sir Geoffrey in this house surrounded by lots of bubbling potions, presided over by Villanus. Geoffrey himself is in the arms of the beautiful Villa, Villanus' sister, apparently hypnotised. Richard demands Geoffrey be freed, but the alchemist weaves some spell and vanishes by magic. The king and Blondel are trapped in a net.
Villanus offers an "unholy bargain," in return for their release he demands to be given control of the Duchy of Aquitaine. And also permission for Villa to marry Sir Geoffrey, she's besotted with him.
Richard must refuse, so it's a case of the old torture, the closing walls until they grind you to a pulp. That will take less than one hour, unless Richard recants.
It's Sir Gilbert to the rescue! In a swordfight he overcomes Villanus, but then succumbs to his magic wiles. However with no potion administered to him, Sir Geoffrey has come out of his trance to release the prisoners. Villa, angry she has lost her man, stabs her own brother, and a series of explosions end the drama.
Later, a bruised Sir Gilbert is rewarded for his bravery, after he hands a lock of Villanus' hair to the king. And a happy Rosalie and Geoffrey are reunited
To Richard the Lionheart menu
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The King's Champion
At last, the King's coronation!
At the coronation feast there are some vacant seats since John has
persuaded King William of Scotland that, despite Story 1, King Henry is still alive!
Many are wavering and even those at Richard's court are half convinced: "it might be
the old king himself."
Richard is challenged, and aged Sir Thomas (John Longden) as
the King's Champion is the one who is to represent him.
It's such an uneven contest
that Richard himself, against tradition, challenges the Pretender to fight for The
Crown of England
To Richard the Lionheart start
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King Arthur's Sword
Persuasion from his mother, forces King Richard to yield to his better judgement and permit bad Prince John to return from exile. In fact John's already in London and swears loyalty to the king, vainly asking for a province which he can rule.
John admits he had returned from exile a while back and had taken shelter at Glastonbury where he'd been told the legend of King Arthur's sword Excalibur. The popular legend is that he who wields this sword will become King of England. An old monk Merlin (Ferdy Mayne), a descendant of Arthur's Merlin, had told John this sword has been discovered.
Richard rides to Glastonbury to be told by Merlin that it was his father King Henry who had instigated the search for Excalibur. The rumour is that someone named Sir Percival now has the sword and is stirring a popular uprising.
As the king gazes on King Arthur's tomb, an emissary from Sir Percival delivers a challenge- mortal combat. Come to Camelot to meet him.
Though he knows it is a trap, Richard needs to meet the rebel and somehow finds his way to the mythical castle, having a fight en route for good measure.
"The fairest of women" Lady Guinevere (Daphne Anderson) in her enchanted castle greets Richard and offers him food and wine. Surely that drink is drugged, so the wise king offers Guinevere his while sipping hers. Then he feigns sleep, his men following his cue, "they will never leave."
She fetches Merlin and Sir Percival, alias Prince John, who laughs at the way his romantic story has fooled his brother. Guinevere will be made his new queen, Merlin to be Archbishop of Canterbury, once he has killed off Richard. Yet instead of the corpse, John faces a swordfight but he holds Excalibur. Alas for him, it is too heavy, and Richard gallantly hands John a less unwieldy implement while he takes possession of Excalibur. And wins. John flees.
So Richard's mother admits she had been in error, "John must stay in exile," Amen
To Richard the Lionheart menu
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The Bride
A neat story, heralding the commencement of the semi-serial of King Richard's crusade to the Holy Land.
In 1190 London, King Richard is informed by his Chancellor and Sir Thomas that Prince John is seeking a bride. The king is urged to get married himself in order to forestall the day when John might inherit the throne. "England needs a queen," but Richard has rather individual ideas on the matter, knowing he will only marry for love.
Antoine (John Serret), ambassador to King Philip of France, stirs this pot. The two kings are to start soon on a crusade, but there is one possible hindrance to this new alliance, at least according to Antoine. For Henry, Richard's father, had agreed that Geoffrey, Richard's late elder brother, would marry Philip's sister Alice (Susan Shaw) as part of that alliance. With Geoffrey dead, Richard is called to honour is father's pledge. Yet Richard has already made his position plain, refusing to countenance any marriage "for reasons of state." That's even though this Alice is allegedly "as lovely as an angel." Anotoine can only hope, "when your majesty sees her, you will love her."
Even Richard's retinue want this marriage to go ahead, lest the crusade fails before it ever begins. At least look at Alice, that's the compromise agreed.
A disguised Sir Gilbert in the role of Earl of Lincoln, takes his troubadour, Richard incognito, to the French court. Here Alice is flanked by two fawning admirers, a very giggly young lady, certainly self-important, confidently anticipating her new role as Queen of England, without for the nonce acting the part.
From Alice's cousin Berengaria, daughter of the impoverished King of Navarre,
Richard learns about his intended's low life, and he is not at all impressed. But Berengaria (Sheila Whittingham) he takes to very much, in fact they even kiss.
Caught in the act, the order is for Richard to be whipped. Instead there's some swordplay, Richard of course the victor.
To Alice, Sir Gilbert reveals his true identity, announcing the king will not marry her.
Somehow she believes Gilbert is king.
Marseilles is where the crusade is to be launched. English and French knights gather, Richard now as himself. The two kings meet, Philip joyous his cousin will be married to Richard. However Richard announces that it is Berengaria he will marry. Philip is not amused, nor Alice. But the pledge was to marry the heir of England, and to that Richard is happy to agree, for John is that heir. Unfortunately, the story doesn't show Alice's angry reaction to the possibility of marrying John, who is played by Trader Faulkner, perhaps she knew Trader was also playing her cousin King Philip!
To Richard the Lionheart menu
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The Great Enterprise
Perhaps an ironic title, to mark the start of the crusade, but an apt one. This follows on from the previous story in which King Philip of France plotted to get his sister Alice married to King Richard of England, who instead had fallen for her cousin Berengaria.
Back from his honeymoon is Richard, "marriage is a wonderful state." But in his absence, morale is teetering, especially as Philip and Alice have gone AWOL. Richard suspects they might be plotting to seize his French territories.
Alice however turns up full of apparent contrition, but is it a ruse?
Captain Abbas has been commissioned by Saladin to blockade Marseilles to prevent the crusade ever getting under way. But Philip has kidnapped him and devised a trick to discredit Richard's new bride. Alice has planted a document to this end in Berengaria's chambers, which is discovered by Richard's loyal Chamberlain, "I can't believe it." Nor can Richard swallow this "infamous" letter and when Berengaria denies all knowledge of it, he is convinced of her innocence," oh my darling forgive me." Alice is under suspicion, though "Philip is behind it."
The Admiral of the Saracen fleet, Sheik Mahmoud, captures Sir Gilbert and Sir Geoffrey, who had been spying for their king. After a somewhat earnest discussion about the code of chivalry, Sir Geoffrey is released on promise of his obtaining the release of Cpt Abbas, who is being tortured to persuade him to confess Berengaria's complicity. As Abbas refuses, he is being tortured in Philip's dungeon.
Blondel is sent to Philip's palace. Outside he sings a Saracen song that spurs the prisoner inside into a frenzy of singing. That confirms Abbas is held there so King Richard proposes a swap of prisoners, Abbas for Sir Gilbert. Faced with the evidence of Alice's abortive plot, Philip has to agree.
A complex story, and slightly improbable that King Richard would now continue his alliance with such a duplicitious partner as King Philip
To Richard the Lionheart menu
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The Saracen Physician
It's now 1192, and we encounter for a second time the Scottish knight Sir Kenneth. To get him out the way as he's so loyal to King Richard, Conrad has given him an impossible task, finding the mad hermit Theodore. He's reputed to be a good healer, and Richard is in dire need of medical help, sick with a high fever. Needless to say, Conrad, King Philip and the other rogue Christian leaders are keenly anticipating Richard's demise, so they can shake the dust off the wretched Crusade. Meanwhile, they have arranged for their own physician to attend the ailing king, Simeon, whose potion looks rather doubtful.
Sir Kenneth's quest brings him into combat with an Arab, in the desert by the edge of a cliff. The two are well matched, and agree a truce, the Saracen happy to take Kenneth to Theodore.
But the mad Arab's anger is aroused by the infidel Kenneth's friendship with one of his own, and he refuses to help.
Much to Conrad's surprise, Kenneth returns safely to report his news, and to be rewarded by being placed him under arrest. However he is helped by a friar, Sir Geoffrey in disguise, who smuggles a dagger into Kenneth's hands. Sir Geoffrey also appeals to Saladin himself, and he supplies drugs to knock out Kenneth's guards. Thus Sir Kenenth escapes.
El Hakim is a Saracen doctor sent by Saladin to treat King Richard. He proves his bona fides by curing Sir Gilbert of his gout. But the sick king is cautious, and the herbs he is given have to be tried first by the doctor himself. No ill effects, which is more than can be said for Simeon, who is also asked to swallow the potion he is to give the king. He dies immediately he imbibes it.
King Richard is soon restored to health and thanks El Hakim, alias Saladin
To Richard the Lionheart menu
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24 The Vision Fades
1192, a tense scene outside Bethlehem. This is a bitter sweet account of how, at the very gates of the holy city, King Richard finds his dream of entering Jerusalem evaporating. For why? His doubtful allies are riven with jealousy, Leopold of Austria insisting that his country and France be the ones credited with the glory of entering Jerusalem. However the French army under the weak Philip has defected and returned home, leaving a much depleted force to attack the Holy City. Yet Saladin is also in disarray, and there is, in modern parlance, a small window of opportunity. Delay, and Saladin's forces will be able to regroup.
De Fleury and Sir Geoffrey are sent by Richard to spy out the land. What they find is panic, the locals fleeing in expectation of occupation by Richard's forces. They report the good news to Richard who moves to the Mount of Olives to gaze on the object of his crusade, "the victory is now in our very grasp."
A stratagem attempts to convince the enemy that the French have not deserted and that this army is strong enough to conquer Jerusalem. The reality is that Richard's forces are now made up of cooks, grooms, anyone who can swell the numbers. Surely in his heart Richard has forebodings,
"I may look on those towers, but I do not think Jerusalem will ever be mine."
Not that he's afraid of a last battle, but Richard knows "in my heart... I fear we do not deserve it."
In that city, the spies are now captured by Farah (Anna Gerber), though she later helps them escape. By now, Saladin has mustered a powerful army and marches on the city, Richard perceiving that his crusade must end in disappointment.
A fine sorrowful soliloquy to conclude this group of stories,
"perhaps I have been judged unworthy"
To Richard the Lionheart menu
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The Devil is Unloosed
It's now 1194, and in Nottingham's Sherwood Forest an informer is about to betray Robin Hood to the Sheriff of Nottingham (Ralph Michael) and Prince John. But that's only the story put out by John, to conceal the fact that he is holding a secret meeting between a messenger from himself, correction from King Philip of France. The Devil is Unloosed is the communication, code for Richard the Lionheart is on his way back to England from Austria. The Frenchman is promptly silenced by the evil John, who has it put about that the outlaws committed this crime, in order to discredit Robin Hood.
In Poitou, Queen Berengaria is being guarded by Richard's loyal friends. When Prince John greets her, she confides her fears that the queen mother, Eleanor, must be going mad, for so worried is she over Richard's safety, that she's consorted to consulting a gypsy soothsayer, Count Laslo. He reads cards and pronounces, "something has happened to Richard," maybe he is dead.
This scene is an elaborate charade to flush out John, the gypsy none other than King Richard in disguise.
The Earl of Huntingdon, Robin Hood himself (Ronald Howard), escorts the king back to England via the River Trent. Two wrongs must be righted, first Robin Hood being an outlaw, second Prince John's planned coronation. After a gaffe by Little John, all the outlaws pledge themselves to King Richard.
Count Laslo makes a return appearance, in the castle at Nottingham. The Sheriff is at first entertained by his fortune telling. A fox is one card that is turned up, that's King Philip, he will declare war, and the reason? The death of his messenger. The Sheriff rightly protests his innocence, but John, falling into the trap, orders The Sheriff's arrest. The Sheriff counters with his own accusation that John was the killer. King Richard reveals himself in the confusion and through a handkerchief the treacherous John is indeed exposed.
The happy conclusion shows Robin Hood pardoned and his confiscated lands restored. Perhaps the producers were trying to cover what the long running tv series never got round to showing
To the Richard the Lionheart start
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The Little People of Lyntor
It's now 1194, this is the first of the final group of completely self contained tales.
Farmer Jasper from Cornwall and his daughter Helen barge into the king's serene presence, irate that Jasper's received a fourth tax demand this year. Richard says he should only have received one and makes inquiries of Baron Fitzjames, his local lord, who had appointed Michael Henry (Roy Kinnear) as his tax agent.
Examining the tax demands, King Richard is easily able to prove three, though issued in his name, are forgeries. But Michael's books are in perfect order, so they advise Jasper to pay up. Richard follows the man who collects the payment, he hides the bag of money in a hollow tree trunk. This is promptly collected by Jasper's handyman, which is a little odd, as Richard had seen him in the Baron's dungeon, arrested after having allegedly assaulted Michael Henry. Richard returns to the dungeon, and there's the handyman!
Michael's son Tom (Jack Smethurst) confides in Sir Gilbert that he's in love with Helen, yet he will not be able to marry her since her father is feuding with his father. He relates the background to the breakdown in their previously happy friendship, the baron had bought up Michael's farm and has ever since been putting pressure on Jasper to sell up too.
Behind the Baron's greed is none other than Prince John, and their scheme uncovered, Richard lectures his wicked brother before, as so often, not punishing him. But Jasper's 'tax' payments are refunded to him and as for Tom and Helen, why they are betrothed
To the Richard the Lionheart start
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The Caveman
The king and queen are enjoying a quiet holiday at the castle of Baron Brentlock, whose daughter Lady Diane (June Thorburn) is engaged to Alan.
The village wells have very suddenly run dry. Folks put it down to the hermit (Nigel Green) who lives in a cave. He has recently encountered Diane and taken quite a shine to her ladyship.
Villagers depute Elias (Trader Faulkner) to approach the caveman. Already they have been paying him to keep the well full of water, for it seems that as if by magic, he has this in his power. But now the hermit wants more than cash, voices have told him he must take a wife, and that means Diane. She however would never countenance marrying that "horrible hermit."
King Richard is curious to meet this hermit and after quieting a latent local uprising, he calls at the cave. Richard demands the caveman explain his alleged powers. Richard is certainly sceptical, specially after he learns the neighbouring valley keeps getting an upsurge of water whenever the local valley is turned into a drought area. With Alan, he searches the cave, ere long to reveal its secret, a passage that leads to running water underground. However the hermit has found out they know and seals up the entrance to the passage, trapping the king and Alan. But now they know the secret.
By walking further along, Richard finds a second exit in the village well.
In the marketplace, the hermit is predicting the king's demise. He persuades them to storm the castle and bring Diane to him. However the baron's soldiers repel the attackers.
Diane however accedes to this forced marriage as inevitable. The wedding is hastily organised and proceeds. However the king rolls up at the key moment, the bit when objections can be raised. He objects. His appearance taunts the hermit, particularly when, as if by magic, though really it is the work of Alan, the king makes the well fill with water. The discomfited caveman is beaten
Richard the Lionheart start
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The Crown Jewels
The queen's cousin (Maurice Kaufman) is a bit too hot headed to ever become a knight. Miguel is his name, and he is from Navarre. Berengaria his cousin the queen is concerned for him with very good reason, for unbeknown to her, he is spending all his gold gambling at an inn. Martha (Lisa Daniely) who works at the inn seems concerned for him too, for he now owes money to Demere (Sean Lynch) and his cronies. Unless he pay the debt, Demere threatens to inform the king, otherwise "a small favour," rather a large one in truth, steal the Crown Jewels. Though he refuses, the love of Martha wins him round to the idea.
Miguel's training to become a knight means he has to take his turn at the castle where are kept the jewels. He allows Demere's gang to slip in, and the remaining guards on duty outside the jewel room are overpowered, and the treasures stolen.
The Gates of London are immediately closed, so the gang cannot escape. Unwisely, Richard orders Miguel to haunt the taverns to pick up any gossip about the robbery. Miguel is made to provide false information about the gang attempting to flee northwards, Richard sending guards in that direction, while the gang escape southwards to France. But Miguel's conscience gets the better of him, just as well, for Richard has suspected a trap, caught up with the gang and recaptured the Crown Jewels.
Miguel must be punished, but he is offered the promise of restoration in the future
Richard the Lionheart start
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37 The Man Who Sold Pardons
Nigel Green gives an enthusiastic performance as that traditional medieval swindler, selling his pardons to gullible villagers.
But King Richard is on his track, suspecting the money raised is going to help an unworthy cause...
Brother Nicholas is offering locals forgiveness from the pope himself, in the form of a scroll pronouncing absolution from your sins. Or if you're too poor, you can buy a mere bishop's pardon. Richard wants to nail down this hoaxer, so he's in the area posing as Sir Philip, accompanied by Sir Gilbert.
It's the latter who finds Brother Nicholas now selling holy socks in the village square. However before Gilbert can do anything, in rides local squire Sir Roland to arrest Brother Nicholas, "put him in the stocks." Nicholas does not bat an eyelid, and produces a scroll signed by King Richard himself, allegedly, authorising him to sell these pardons. Sir Roland de Vere hurriedly retracts his action, and takes him back to his home to wine and dine this important monk.
This is all part of a blackmail scheme aimed at extorting money from all those who had supported Prince John. In fact the villain receiving all this cash via the pardoner is... John himself! Richard trails Brother Nicholas as he reports back to his superior, "the greatest traitor of them all." To the Bloody Butcher inn, the king follows, then to a cave and a fight with Prince John.
The King triumphs, as he should do,
and that money is promised for the good of the people. As for John, he is once again banished from the land
To Richard the Lionheart
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The Heir of England
Prince Arthur (Christopher Witty) lives in Brittany, loved by his mother (Margaretta Scott) and tutored by Father Gerard. As the potential future King of England, if King Richard die without issue, he is invited to the king's second coronation (this to be the subject of the final episode). Sir Gilbert is despatched to escort the child to London, but is knocked out on the way to France, and a false Sir Gilbert carries off Prince Arthur, to be held for ransom.
Too late the Duchess,
Arthur's mother, sees she has been duped, "we must pray." Her prayers are answered, for King Richard and the recovered Sir Gilbert are on the trail of the kidnappers. In St Malo, a ship's captain (Patrick McAlliney) points them in the direction of Pierre and Marcel, good French names all. In their cave, the crooks are rounded up, but not for long. The captain is their leader and has trailed Richard and Gilbert, who are tied up. Now the plan is to sell the prisoners to the highest bidder, Prince John or possibly Philip of France. (No matter Trader Faulkner plays both of 'em!)
A spot of humour is supplied by William Fox as Father Gerard, who bravely offers to the Duchess to rescue the Prince. "What can you do alone?" is all the Duchess can offer.
Fortunately, Arthur has wriggled out of his bonds and finds Father Gerard, and with his noble aid, Richard and Gilbert are rescued. Well sort, of, they'd got free anyway. But Prince Arthur is lost in admiration for his brave tutor, "Father Gerard did it. he's terribly good with the sword"
Richard the Lionheart Menu
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The People's King
Trader Faulkner's final role in this final story is as Jacques, a fastidious French tailor, who is making costumes for King Richard's second coronation.
The drama centres on the mysterious disappearance of Sir Gilbert's robe, suspect is Tom the Trimmer.
Tom has indeed stolen it, taking it to the disaffected Lord Roger (Anthony Jacobs) of Lancaster Castle. With his wife Megan (Jane Hylton), he had supported the abortive cause of exiled Prince John, now he seeks a way of killing the king.
With unusual subtlety, Sir Gilbert has been on the trail of his missing costume, and he pretends to be a supporter of the Prince and after a pub brawl is brought before Lord Roger. Sir Gilbert, under an alias of course, is commissioned to kill the Lionheart, using the stolen costume to gain entrance to the coronation banquet. The plan only fails when Tom recognises who Gilbert really is, though somehow Gilbert convinces Lord Roger that he really is against the king, and again somehow, convinces Roger to do the actual murder.
The coronation rehearsal sees Roger in London. In all their finery Blondel, Sir Geoffrey and the King practise the ceremony. Lord Roger is there too in the costume that was Gilbert's, but now altered to Gilbert's instructions, for Jacques has left plenty of needles in it! Poor Roger at the rehearsal is in great discomfort as potential tragedy moves to comedy.
Unmasked, Roger is banished and the Queen in her own finery joins King Richard for his coronation. The bells ring and the king is crowned
To the start of Richard the Lionheart
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It's Hannah Weinstein (Fisher) creator of Sapphire Films who made the hugely successful Adventures of Robin Hood
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