REVIEW: The Saint – The Gadic Collection

Broadcast: Thursday, 22nd June, 1967

Character: Turen

The Story

Among the various global adventures of The Saint, “The Gadic Collection” stands out as a compelling blend of mystery, intrigue, and international crime. Broadcast during the series’ successful transition to color, the episode transports Simon Templar to Istanbul, where a seemingly straightforward museum mystery evolves into a perilous search for a priceless collection of ancient artifacts. The narrative provides Roger Moore with an ideal vehicle to showcase his effortless charm and detective skills, while also featuring a memorable guest appearance by Peter Wyngarde as the wealthy and enigmatic art collector, Turen.

The episode begins with Simon Templar visiting Istanbul to meet his associate, Geoffrey Bane, the deputy curator of a museum housing the Gadic Collection – a treasure of immense historical and monetary value. When suspicious photographs and mysterious figures begin appearing around the collection, Templar is drawn into a conspiracy involving forged artifacts, homicide, and international smuggling. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes evident that several interested parties are prepared to resort to violence to secure the collection or conceal its location.

Above: Peter as Turen

One of the episode’s primary strengths is its atmosphere. The Turkish setting provides an exotic backdrop that complements The Saint’s sophisticated style of adventure. The bustling streets, ancient architecture, and shadowy alleys of Istanbul establish a sense of mystery from the outset. Like many of the series’ finest episodes, the story benefits significantly from its international character; there is a persistent impression that danger lurks around every corner and that nearly every individual Templar encounters may be withholding critical information.

Roger Moore remains immensely watchable as Simon Templar. By this stage in the production, Moore had perfected the character. His portrayal of the Saint is intelligent without appearing arrogant, courageous without seeming reckless, and witty without undermining the gravity of the situations he faces. One of Moore’s greatest strengths was his ability to make even the most convoluted plots appear straightforward, leading audiences to instinctively trust him to uncover the truth regardless of the mystery’s complexity.

The script keeps Templar in constant motion as he follows clues, exposes deceptions, and survives increasingly dangerous encounters. The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, ensuring the viewer remains engaged throughout. With murders to solve, false trails to navigate, and numerous suspects to consider, the plot moves swiftly. While the story may lack the psychological depth of later crime dramas, it serves as an exemplary piece of television entertainment.

Furthermore, a significant draw of the episode is undoubtedly the presence of Peter as Turen, the affluent foreign collector whose interest in the Gadic Collection places him at the center of the mystery.

By 1967, Peter had established himself as one of the most distinctive performers in British television. Possessing striking looks, a superbly controlled voice, and an innate sense of authority, he possessed the rare ability to command the viewer’s attention the moment he appeared on screen. In the role of Turen, he utilizes all of these attributes to great effect.

What is particularly impressive about Peter’s performance is the ambiguity he creates. From the moment Turen is introduced, the audience is never entirely certain whether he is an ally, an adversary, or something in between. While he is clearly fascinated by the collection and determined to acquire it, Peter ensures the character remains more complex than a conventional villain.

This was one of Peter’s greatest strengths as an actor; he understood that mystery often lies not in what a character says, but in what remains unsaid. Throughout the episode, Turen remains enigmatic. His motives are not always transparent, and his elegant exterior conceals an underlying ruthlessness—an uncertainty that contributes significantly to the dramatic tension.

Peter’s screen presence is impossible to ignore. Whenever he appears alongside Roger Moore, the episode gains additional dynamism. Both actors possessed tremendous charisma, yet their styles differed markedly: Moore’s approach was relaxed and approachable, whereas Peter’s was cooler, more controlled, and more mysterious. This contrast works effectively, creating a series of scenes charged with subtle tension.

Peter’s vocal performance is particularly noteworthy. His distinctive voice, rich and precise, was among the finest instruments available to any actor of his generation. As Turen, he delivers every line with careful deliberation, making even simple observations seem loaded with meaning. He avoids obvious villainy or theatrical excess, relying instead on intelligence and restraint.

The result is a character whose influence extends beyond his actual screen time. Turen feels significant because Peter portrays him as such. While a lesser actor might have played the role as a conventional criminal mastermind, Peter presents a sophisticated, cultured, and highly intelligent man whose ambitions are revealed only gradually.

The production itself is polished and professional. The director and cast make effective use of the Istanbul setting, while the script maintains a careful balance between detective mystery and action-adventure. As was often the case with The Saint, the viewer is provided with just enough information to speculate about the solution without fully comprehending the conspiracy until the closing stages.

The supporting cast also provide solid performances. The various museum officials, policemen, suspects, and accomplices all play their roles effectively, helping to populate the episode’s intricate world of deception and intrigue. Nevertheless, it is Peter and Roger Moore who dominate the proceedings.

In retrospect, “The Gadic Collection” exemplifies The Saint at its most engaging. While it may not be the series’ most renowned episode, it embodies the elements that contributed to the programme’s international success: an exotic locale, a compelling mystery, high production values, and notable guest appearances. Furthermore, the narrative focus on stolen antiquities and forgery provides a layer of sophistication that elevates the story beyond a conventional treasure hunt.

Crucially, the episode serves as an exceptional showcase for. His portrayal of Turen highlights the qualities that defined his career as a compelling actor; intelligent, elegant, charismatic, and subtly menacing, Peter creates a character who remains fascinating long after the plot details have diminished.

Ultimately, “The Gadic Collection” is a thoroughly entertaining instalment of The Saint, balancing suspense, adventure, and mystery with precision. While Roger Moore is at the peak of his performance as Simon Templar, the episode derives much of its distinction from Peter’s contribution. As Turen, he brings a level of sophistication and intrigue to every scene, recalling why he was regarded as one of the most magnetic performers in British television during the 1960s. His performance lends depth and vibrancy to an already engaging adventure, establishing “The Gadic Collection” as one of the more memorable entries in the series.

A Bit Of Trivia

• Freddie Francis, the director of this episode, also directed Peter in ‘The Innocents’.
• Peter hated ‘The Gadic Collection’ and never watched it.
• In the 2015 Channel 4 documentary, ‘It Was Alight In The Sixties’, Peter was hauled over the coals for ‘Blacking-Up’ to play Turen. The condescending producer of the programme didn’t appear to realise that white actors playing ethic characters was the done thing back in the 1960s, and that Peter wasn’t unique in doing this.