Westminster Film Fair Westminster Hall, London – Saturday, 12th November 2016

We left ‘Wyngarde Towers’ around 11.45 by taxi, as he was scheduled to be at Westminster Hall by 12.15. All went well until we got within touching distance of the Hall itself, where we found the traffic had become gridlocked as a result of an Armistice Day service that was taking place at Westminster Abbey. An executive decision was made to walk the rest of the way, so we were able to make it inside just four or five minutes later than billed.

As we walked in, there was already a huge line of people waiting to meet Peter, so he immediately took his place behind his table, which was piled high with photographs from his career in film and TV, including The Avengers, Night of the Eagle, The Innocents, Doctor Who, Flash Gordon and of course Jason King and Department S. As might be expected, the most popular stills where those of him as Jason, but there were also many fans who chose pictures from his films, and others brought their own posters, photos and DVD sleeves for him to sign.

All of the fans that attended were very knowledgeable, both about Peter’s career and films/TV in general. There was also a large cross-section of interests – from those who wanted to talk to him about his role in Doctor Who, whilst others wanted to know about The Innocents or Night of the Eagle.

One of the most pleasant experiences of the afternoon for me personally, was meeting so many members of The Hellfire Club, who’d travelled from every corner of the UK (and Germany!) to meet Peter. I was grateful to finally be able to put faces to the names on our Facebook page, and to witness their delight as they met their idol for the very first time.

As always, Peter was both gracious and friendly – shaking hands with each and every person in line, and having his photo’ taken with the same number. I couldn’t believe how many gifts and cards he received, which included chocolates, books and even model cars.

Beyond any shadow of a doubt, Peter was the most popular ‘celebrity’ at the event, based on the never-ending line of people who waited hours to meet him. Other guest there that day included Bernard Cribbins, Miriam Margolyes, David Warner, David Prowse.

When finally the last fan got his or her prized signature, Peter and I took a taxi from outside the Hall – assuming that we’d be back at his place within 10 or 15 minutes at most. As with all the best laid plans, we found that several streets in the Capital had been cordoned off for the Remembrance Day concert that was taking place at the Albert Hall that evening, and which The Queen was due to attend. Whether the powers that be had received some kind of threat, or they were merely taking precautions, I wouldn’t know, but the area was absolutely heaving with police cars, vans and dogs.

Left: With Des Glass – member of the Official Peter Wyngarde Appreciation Society

Our route back took us down virtually every street, road and alleyway in West London, and what should have been a brief ride turned into an hour-long expedition. However, we did finally reach Peter’s home just in time to watch Strictly Come Dancing on TV!

Comic Con NEC Birmingham – Saturday, 19th November 2016

On this occasion, Peter and I would be converging on the venue from different sides of the country – he, from London, and I from Lancashire.

I arrived at the NEC (National Exhibition Centre) at around 10.15, then had to negotiate my way through the myriad security checks before ending up in the Organisers Office, where I was met by Thomas (Bowington), who is Peter’s ‘liaison’ (for want of a better term).

Above: From the official Comic Con programme

I was given a pass (in the form of a wristband) and taken to where Peter would be signing that day. I was thrilled to find that his table was wedged between (to our left) Flash Gordon himself, Sam J. Jones and Manu Bennett (Game of Thrones, Arrow) to the right. One table down from Bennett was Chris Barrie and Danny John-Jules (Arnold Rimmer and The Cat from Red Dwarf), who I’m a huge fan of.

During a short break, Sam came over to speak with me and to ask when Peter was due to arrive. He asked if Peter still enjoyed pistol shooting – a hobby he’d partaken in for years until the ban on handguns, whereupon he’d bought a shotgun and now shoots clays. Sam told me that he’d been a US Marine way back, and had learned to shoot then. It was an interest both men shared.

Since Peter was due to arrive around 12 noon, Thomas and I began setting up his table at 11.30, with photos and Pop Klytus action figures. A long queue had started to form well in advance of this, so there was an air of excitement at Peter’s imminent arrival. It was then that we received a call from his driver who advised that, due to a build-up of traffic approaching the NEC, they could be 15 to 20 minutes late arriving.

When finally we were alerted that Peter’s car had reached the venue, Thomas went out to meet him while I manned the store. Immediately on him taking his seat, Sam came over, and the two men hugged and had a brief chat before the barrier was removed and the first fans were allowed to approach the table.

Although the demographic at this event was on the younger side, it was surprising how clued up they were about Peter’s work prior to Flash Gordon. After their seeing him play Klytus, they’d looked him up online and had bought the Department S and Jason King boxsets, plus the Avengers, Prisoner and Champions episodes. Indeed, many of the photos chosen for him to sign were from these series as opposed to Flash Gordon.

During his time there, Peter gave an impromptu, albeit brief, interview to a martial arts magazine about his famous karate chop in the Prisoner episode, ‘Checkmate’, and the two of us were photographed for the Midlands newspaper, The Express and Star.

Peter spent around two hours signing autographs, shaking and hands and posing for selfies with fans. By around 3.30, we’d all decided enough was enough, and his car was called to pick him up.

Right: Official Peter Wyngarde Appreciation Society member, Matthew Samuel with Peter

Sadly, Sam had decided to take a short break moments earlier, so Peter  wasn’t able to say goodbye to him. Whilst Thomas began packing up the table, I walked with Peter around the back of the signing area, where he shook hands with Chris Barrie and Danny John-Jules – the latter of whom took a selfie with “A legend”, and then gave me a kiss (I kissed The Cat! How about that).

Once outside, I got a huge hug and a kiss from Peter before he got into the car. I asked the driver to take care of him, and off he went. I received a text from the man himself on his arriving home (much earlier than me, as it happened, since my train was cancelled!), to let me know that he’d got back safe and sound.

I have to say that I had two really fun days with Peter and Thomas. It was fabulous getting to meet all the fans – especially those who’re members of The Hellfire Club.

Click below for more about Peter’s personal appearances and fans stories of meeting him…

Broadcast live on Wednesday, 24th November, 1959

Character: Lieutenant Jan Wicziewsky

Introduction From The British Film Institute

What’s it about?

Broadcast live on 24 November 1959, in ITV’s Play of the Week slot, period drama South centres on exiled Polish officer Lt Jan Wicziewsky, staying on a wealthy family’s Deep South plantation prior to the outbreak of the American Civil War.

As war clouds gather, Wicziewsky’s initial arrogance gives way to emotional disintegration when the arrival of Eric MacClure (Graydon Gould) forces him to face up to his darkest secret: his love for another man.

Who made it?

Director Mario Prizek, who died in 2012, enjoyed an illustrious career with the CBC in Canada; he was openly gay and championed equal rights. He worked on several television plays in the UK, directing Roger Livesey in Governor Wall and Maggie Smith in Penelope for Granada (both 1960); he also produced and directed an entry in the BBC’s Wednesday Play strand, First Love (1964).

Large swathes of TV output from the 1950s and early 60s no longer exist, as it was often broadcast live and not recorded for posterity, or was later wiped. Prizek’s British work was among the casualties, but fortunately South is preserved in the BFI National Archive.

What’s special about it?

Film historian Stephen Bourne identifies South as the earliest surviving gay-themed British television drama. In 1957 the Wolfenden Report recommended that “homosexual behaviour between consenting adults in private should no longer be a criminal offence”, but the law would not see concrete change for another decade. In 1959 the subject was still all but verboten on the small screen, though British cinema would take a leap of faith with Victim in 1961.

Wyngarde’s performance as the tortured Jan is extraordinary, by turns theatrical and reflective. Though producers were unable to mention homosexuality explicitly, the bravery involved in accepting such a role cannot be overstated. The wonderful supporting cast includes Hollywood veteran Bessie Love as a worldly Southern matriarch, and pioneering black British actor Johnny Sekka (South has much to say on race as well as sexuality).

‘I do NOT see anything attractive in the agonies and ecstasies of a pervert, especially in close-up in my sitting room. This is not prudishness. There are some indecencies in life that are best left covered up’. The Daily Sketch – Thursday, 25th November, 1959

Although billed as the “First explicitly gay drama ever to be broadcast on British television”, ‘South’ is positively tame compared to what we’re used to seeing now, but back in 1959, it was invariably labelled by TV critics as “strange” and “distasteful”.

The play, which is described by Simon McCallum, Curator of the British Film Institute (BFI) as, “A milestone in gay cultural history”, was based on Sűd’ – a work by Californian, Julien Green (1900-1998). It was one of three pieces written by the author in 1953, and was first performed as a play at the Théâtre de l’Athénée-Louis-Jouvet [1] in March of that year.

Green latterly translated his story into English – with a view to bringing it to the British stage, but the Lord Chamberlain had other ideas, and banned it from being performed in a licensed theatre (it was, however, staged at the Art’s Theatre in London in 1955). This small screen version, which was adapted by Gerald Savory and directed by Canadian, Mario Prizek, tells the story of a Polish man who is exiled to the home of a wealthy family in the American ‘Deep South’, and is set on the eve of the American Civil War.

“It had a quality that appealed to me, it was like a Greek tragedy” Peter Wyngarde on ‘South’

The Story

Setting: A cotton plantation just outside Charleston, South Carolina, in 1861.

Right: Peter as the dashing Lieutenant Jan Wicziewsky

It is the night before the Federal forces take Fort Sumter and the Confederate forces, under General Beauregarde, fired the first shots of the civil war.

The opening scene features two slaves – an elderly blind man, Uncle John (John Harrison), and his grandson, Charles (Randolph McKenzie), both of whom are listening to the sound of “the white folks” singing hymns in the church, indicating that the action is taking place on a Sunday. The old man insists that the boy lead him to the “big house”, to speak with Mr Brodrick, the plantation owner. The youngster, however, warns that it’s forbidden to approach the house, but his Grandpa insists, declaring that what he has to say has come from the Lord himself.

We’re now transported to the interior of the big house, where we see a woman – Regina (Helena Hughes), scurrying down the stairs and running from room to room, as if she’s looking for something… or someone. As she darts out onto the porch, we see the object of her quest – the dashing Lieutenant Jan Wicziewsky (Peter Wyngarde).

When she at last him, she does so in a manner which contradicts her eagerness to find him; indeed, she adopts a rather cool tone, as if to hide the fact that she’s really in love with him. When he asks why she’s been searching for him, she denies having done so – saying that she was, in fact, looking for her cousin, Angelina (Karal Gardner), who she thought had arrived back from church.

Left: Regina is in love with Jan, but hasn’t dared tell him

Jan is not the least bit fooled by her story, and tells her that if she wishes to speak to him, now’s her chance, given that they’re alone in the house. Regina – persisting with the charade, claims that she has nothing at all to say to him, and feigns injury at such a suggestion. Declaring him impertinent, she storms into the house. The Lieutenant follows her inside, where they continue to bicker.

Regina asserts that while Wicziewsky has been in the United States for 12 years, he remains a stranger with no roots. He tells her that when his father was hanged by the Prussian’s during the Poznan Uprising of 1848 he, then just a child, had been severely beaten for being the son of his father. Fortunately, his grandfather had managed to spirit him away to America. The scars, he said, had faded with time.

In spite of his harrowing confession, Regina alleges not like the young Lieutenant, and that she feels angry that her uncle, Edward Brodrick (Alan Gifford), treats him like a son whilst she, as merely the niece, is regarded as less than blood.

“You see,” Wicziewsky observes, “you DID have something to say to me!”

Before she can respond, we hear the sound of the Master – Edward Brodrick, his sister, Evelyn, and daughter, Angelina, arriving home from church. They’re followed closely by Brodrick’s 12-year-old son, Jimmy (Karl Lanchbury) and his tutor, Mr White (Horace Sequeira) – the former of  whom pesters his father to allow him to go riding with the Lieutenant the following day.

Evelyn walks into the lounge where she finds Jan, sitting alone. He rises then bows his head courteously as she passes him and takes a seat in a rocking chair. She begins fanning herself, and asks the young officer if he’d be so kind as to rock the chair a little for her.

She asks why he hadn’t attended church, to which he responds that there are none of the Catholic persuasion in the area. “Oh, that’s right,” she retorts. “Protestant and Catholic. Black and white.” There were so many differences and divisions.

She next inquires what he thinks of her daughter, Regina. Jan reflects for a moment, as if trying to conjure up of something nice to say about her. When finally he breaks his silence, he mentions her pretty eyes. “But what do you think of the rest of her?” the old girl demands.

Before he can answer, Evelyn suggests that a match for her daughter will be found that very night. Jan tentatively asks if she has anyone in mind, to which the name an old family friend – Eric McClure, is referenced. At the mention of this name, Jan’s demeanour changes instantaneously, and with his mind suddenly elsewhere, his once gentle rocking becomes much more forceful.

Evelyn asks if he and McClure had met on the occasion of his last visit. Jan says not, as he’d been at Fort Sumter at the time. She goes on to reveal that McClure had been, at one time or other, interested in buying the Brodrick Plantation, but that her brother had refused – it having been a family estate. She pointedly adds that Jan probably wouldn’t understand such things – he being an outsider. As if to temper her rudeness, she adds that his being a foreigner made him attractive to women: “What more could they want but for a young Polish nobleman to carry them away to the land of Chopin!” And as if to reveal her own attraction to the Lieutenant, she drops her fan, obligating him to retrieve it for her. He kneels, picks it up and as he offers it to her, she brushes her hand suggestively across his.

Right: Evelyn brushing Jan’s hand as he picks up her fan

“McClure’s ancestors were Scots”, she announces, breaking the silence. “And cattle thieves!” She admits that Regina has never met McClure, but is convinced that they’d make a wonderful couple. At that moment Evelyn’s niece, Angelina, breezes into the room. She curtsy’s to Wicziewsky, who bows his head politely in return, then announces that she’s looking for her cousin, Regina. Evelyn tells her that she should find her father first, and send her off to locate him.

We now find Edward in the library with Uncle John, who has something profound to say to his old Master. He warns Brodrick that God will pass amongst the inhabitants of the house that night, and would visit his wrath upon them. Brodrick is confused, saying that he’d never been a bad man – indeed, he was the first in the region to free his slaves.

Uncle John begs Brodrick not to allow Jimmy to go riding with Lieutenant Wicziewsky the following day, saying that there’s something wicked about him. He recounts an instance when he’d overheard Jan and Regina talking under the tress in the Great Avenue that leads from the house, and that he’d spoken to her in a way that no man should ever talk to a woman; “He has a cruel voice”, the old man adds dramatically.

At that moment, Angelina arrives and calls her father away, whilst Charles is summoned to help lead his grandfather home.

Back in the lounge, we now find Edward, Evelyn Jan and Regina – the latter of whom declares that, in the event of war, her sympathies would lie with the North; she wishes, therefore, to return to her home there. Edward is shocked at the revelation, as he’d always believed that his niece was content with life at the plantation.

Jan interjects, advocating that Regina would look rather foolish should she return home only for there to be no conflict. She snaps back – declaring that she’s not leaving exclusively because of the threat of war. She then stomps out like a scolded child her Uncle in pursuit. When Edward returns, Regina is not with him. Evelyn is convinced that, when she meets McClure later that evening, her daughter will resolve to stay.

Edward turns to Jan and asks his opinions on the current situation with regard to the impending war. He determines to say that soldiers are less attracted to politics than civilians and that for them, war is declared via speeches. Evelyn is incensed by his reply, which she considers cold, and wonders how he can remain so calm under such circumstances. He explains that coolness is part of his profession, which prompts Evelyn to flounce from the room in the same manner as her daughter. Edward, though, tells Jan that he for one is glad that he’s there, and that regardless of Regina and Evelyn’s reaction, he finds his presence of great comfort.

Up in Regina’s bedroom, Angelina is sobs on hearing of her cousin plan to leave. She confesses that her decision is based on the fact that Lieutenant Wicziewsky hates her so much, and as such, she has no other choice. Angelina is shocked to hear this – saying that she must be mistaken, given that Jan is so polite and agreeable. Regina shakes her head: “You don’t know him. His very smile turns me to ice”. She goes on to say that, even now, see can’t see him bow to her without feeling that he despises her.

She goes on to admit that she can’t understand why her Uncle should have such affection for Jan. Angelia explains that the Lieutenant’s grandfather had managed to smuggle a large amount of money out of Poland after the Uprising, and had loaned Edward a sum when he’d been in difficulty. Her father now considered Jan to be his son and the plantation his home.

Regina reacts angrily, and questions why women lose their heads so readily over this man. Angelina confused by her cousin’s statement, replies almost dreamily: “Yes, everyone adores him”. However, when asked if she “adores” him, the girl dismisses her own comment as merely a figure of speech, saying that Jan is not like other men. She adds that her cousin is being ridiculous by leaving because of him, since the Lieutenant “Couldn’t harm anyone”.

We now find Mr White, remonstrating with Edwards young son, Jimmy, on the porch. As Jan approaches, the older man tells him that the boy had struck a slave when he’d been too busy to clean the child’s saddle, and the White expected Jimmy to inform his father of this abuse himself.

As Mr White leaves, Jimmy begs Jan to help smooth things over with his father. However, at that very moment they’re interrupted by one of the staff who has a message for the Lieutenant. He reads it then goes into the lounge where we find Edward in deep contemplation.

Jan tells his friend that, regretfully, his leave has been curtailed and that he must leave for Fort Sumter at dawn. Edward asks, should war comes, which side the Lieutenant would choose to fight on; north or south. Diplomatically, Jan elects not to reply. Edward begs the young man not to leave, believing that if he does and war is declared, he will never see him again.

Meanwhile, Jimmy and Mr White enters the room, when the latter asks Edward if his son has spoken to him. When his farther learns what the boy had done, he becomes angry and asks Jan to take the lad out and punish him as he sees fit. Wicziewsky, though, says it’s not his place, but nevertheless, leaves with the boy.

On hearing what has transpired, Regina stops her Uncle in the hallway and begs him not to allow Jan anywhere near his son – saying that he has no idea what sort of man the Lieutenant is. She demands that the Officer be turned out of the house immediately. Distraught at the thought of Jan leaving, Edward proceeds as if he hasn’t heard a word she’d said.

Back in the bedroom, whilst Regina regales Angelina with tales of Jan’s supposed brutality, she inevitably breaks down and confesses that she’s actually in love with him though, she asserts, “He’s taken the joy of living from me.” Although she feels that the Lieutenant has only contempt for her, Angelina suggests that, perhaps, he really loves her in return. Regina, however, is adamant: “He loves no one!”

As Jan is returning from punishing Jimmy for his earlier transgression, he happens upon a visitor knocking at the front door of the house. It’s obvious that he recognises the gentleman as they introduce themselves to each other. We learn that Jan had previously met this man – Eric McClure (Graydon Gould), at a military ball some month previous, yet McClure denies ever attending such an event, given that he can’t dance. 

Jan is obviously distracted by the appearance of this man – indeed, his entire demeanour changed the moment he set eyes on him. Nevertheless, he tells McClure that he’ll advise Edward of his arrival.

Up in the bedroom, Angelina is entertaining Regina with a story concerning her first meeting with McClure. How they’d talked and flirted, but then he’d departed without a word – leaving her forlorn and dejected. Nevertheless, several days later, a messenger had arrived with a letter from her beau, which she’d treasured. Her excitement at seeing him again was interminable.

Unbeknown to the two young women Jan, who’d been passing the bedroom door, had caught them talking and had stopped to listen. He becomes agitated at what he hears and exits hurriedly before he’s caught eavesdropping.

On the porch, we find Edward and Eric in conversation. The older man indicates that there’s something important that they need to discuss after supper, then enquires if he’s met Lieutenant Wicziewsky. Eric says he has, and found the young soldier courteous – perhaps even a little too courteous. However, he’s prepared to hear all that’s good about him.

Edward then asks if his fellow plantation owner might help Jan, given that his heart is in the south, but that his loyalty to the north has kept him in uniform. He confesses his fears that, should Wicziewsky leave as ordered, he might not survive the war.

Regina is alone in her room when Jan rushes in unannounced and grabs her roughly by the wrists. He demands to know where Angelina is, while all the time she begs to speak to him, but clearly he’s in any mood to listen. She finally reveals her love for him, and he acknowledges curtly that he’s known all along. With that, she immediately changes tack, saying that she hates him.

“Don’t you think I know that too!”, he answers, before storming from the room.

Down stairs in the Dining Room, the Brodrick Family, plus Jan, McClure and another female guest are seated at the table. The small talk concerning everyday issues soon turn to the subject of slavery and the possibility of war, and soon the cordial tone gives way to disagreement. It’s obvious that Jan is miles away; deep in his own thoughts, as Angelina suddenly storms from the table. The Lieutenant follows her out.

He finds the young woman in the lounge, where he announces that he has something important to tell her; something that will displease her very much. He reveals that he couldn’t help hearing her earlier conversation with Regina as he’d passed her bedroom door. This revelation angers Angelina who, losing her temper, admonishes the Officer for his prying. He tells her that he won’t tolerate McClure writing letters to her – insisting that any feeling she might have for him are merely the daydreams everyone one of us are prone to. She’s angered by his impertinence, but he declares that she wouldn’t be quite so harsh on him if she knew how much he was suffering.

Angelina demands to know how her feelings for McClure would affect him: “Because,” he replies, “it would go straight to my heart!”

In an act of desperation, he tries to convince her that he in love with her, but the young woman is having none of it. “What’s the point in lying?” she shrieks. “You know full well that you don’t love me!”

A desolate Jan returns to the table without Angelina who, he says, had left as she’d been upset by the talk of the war. Whilst the ladies retire to the lounge, and Eric McClure request that he be allowed to join Angelina on the porch, Jan and Edward remain to talk.

In probably one of the most poignant scenes in the play Edward, who has noticed Jan’s dramatic change of personality since McClure’s arrival, attempts to comfort his friend. Believing that his behaviour is a result of his concerns about the forthcoming conflict, Brodrick offers the young Officer a sympathetic ear – saying that they’d be no shame in his disobeying orders and refusing to return to Fort Sumter. Jan, though, tells him that his difficulties have nothing to do with war.

When Brodrick finally realises that Jan’s problem is with McClure himself, the Lieutenant expresses a desire never to see the man again; the reason for which he wishes to keep to himself. Although Edward has no desire to press the matter, he asks Jan whether it’s beyond reason that he might actually understand and be able to help.

Afraid even now of tell his old friend what is really troubling him, he decides instead to explain his troubles with McClure as simple rivalry; that the young visitor has taken his place in the heart of someone he himself holds dear. Mistakenly, Edward believes that he’s speaking of Regina, and points out that she and McClure hardly know each other, given that they’d only met briefly once before. The Lieutenant exclaims that it has nothing to do with Regina and that his affections are, in fact, for Angelina. He continues by asking Edward for his daughter’s hand in marriage.

Edward, however, is not buying it, and tells Jan that he’s not in love with either of the girls. “No one escapes love’s fate”, he declares, “whoever it is with”. Unmoved by his friend’s words, the Lieutenant again asks for Angelina’s hand, but Brodrick categorically refuses – as much for Jan’s sake as for his daughter’s!

In the Lounge, Jan, McClure, Angelina and Regina are sitting in silence, until Jan walks out onto the porch just as Edward enters the room. Outside Jimmy, who’s clearly sneaked from bed, joins the Lieutenant, who asks the boy what he would think if someone were to tell him that he was in love with his sister, Angelina. The child laughs. “I’d find it funny”. It’s clear that Jan is desperate to talk to someone, but Jimmy seems more interested in the forthcoming war.

Jan asks the boy to sit with him, and announces that he has a secret which he asks Jimmy to keep for all his life. “You know, Jimmy, odd times, freedom of will is a crushing weight and it’s not always possible to choose. I’m in love Jimmy, as no human being was ever in love before. It’s better not to know what men are thinking, it’s almost always sad or shameful. I’m not ashamed, but I am alone. Hopelessly alone.”

Of course, Jimmy doesn’t understand what Jan is trying say to him – believing all the time that his friend is talking about Angelina, who the Lieutenant latterly admits might have been his salvation.

Up in the bedroom, Angelina confesses to Regina that she’d lied about the letter from McClure. She also discloses that Lieutenant Wicziewsky had proposed to her earlier that evening, but that she’d made it clear to him that she didn’t believe he was being sincere. On learning this, Regina is distraught.

Back in the lounge, Edward and McClure are discussing the Lieutenant, with the younger man pointing out that, come the war, Jan might not wish to fight at all and could choose to desert. Edward is upset by this comment, but as McClure points out, he had been asked for his honest opinion.

Meanwhile, Jan has sought to find Regina in her room. He apologises for his earlier behaviour and begs her forgiveness. He tells her that he is suffering just as she is, and that even the faintest whisper from her lips would allow him to have peace with himself, but she refuses to respond.

When Edward is summoned to the kitchen, McClure is alone in the lounge when Jan arrives. The Lieutenant tells the young plantation owner that he’s compelled to confide in him, but McClure, just like Brodrick, assumes that Wicziewsky’s melancholy is a symptom of his anxiety over the war.

The tone of their conversation takes a menacing tone, as the two argue at cross-purposes about love and conflict. When both men admit to loving a person that neither has been able to tell, McClure mistakenly supposes that they might both be in love with the same person. Eventually, Eric admits that the object of his affections is Angelina, but that it’s too late to confess his feelings to her, given that he intends to join the Confederate Army and expects to be killed.

Whilst Jan is unable to stand before his love and say “I love you”, McClure had wasted numerous opportunities to do just that – a fact that causes the Lieutenant to lose his temper. In his angst, Jan drags McClure to the hallway mirror to show him the face of a coward. As Edwards arrives to see what all the commotion is about, Wicziewsky strikes Eric across the face with his glove and challenges him to a duel. He requests that Edward and Mr White act as their Seconds.

While Brodrick begs the two men to pause and reflect, Evelyn excitedly instructs Angelina to gather the family. Meanwhile, the men; Jan, McClure, Edward, Mr White and one of the Slaves have taken themselves off to a clearing in the wood, where swords are drawn.

Left: Jan and Eric McClure fight to the death

In spite of Edward’s desperate pleas, the two men engage in combat until Jan, as he’d always planned, yields and allows McClure to pierce him through the heart with his sword. Mr White immediately commands the Slave to bring a doctor and a clergyman, before turning to Eric, “God forgive you both!”

As Brodrick covers Jan with his coat Eric, who is clearly in shock, tries to explain that the Lieutenant hadn’t even tried to fend off his finally blow. Gazing down on his friend, Edward asks God, “Why would you want the disfigured body of a boy?”

At that moment, Regina arrives – still in her nightclothes. Though her Uncle tells her to go back to the house, she begs if she can stay with Jan for a while. Edward quietly asks her if she really did love him so deeply? “Yes,” she answers mournfully. “Even though I knew everything.”

Now alone with Jan, Regina is finally able to tell him how she really feels:

“If, as I believe, you’re still here Jan, I won’t disturb you with my tears. Listen how gently I’m speaking. A little while ago, you came close to me and begged my pardon. I didn’t say a word, but my heart was bursting. You understand, Jan; God will wipe away all tears – he said so himself. He will wipe away your tears, and mine.”

Throwing herself on his lifeless body, she cries into the night: “Come back!”

“The cast was first rate, with Peter Wyngarde making the most of the leading character. He used the utmost skill and sympathy to reveal the nature of his dilemma, and never faltered.” Variety – 9th December, 1959

Thoughts and Observations

‘I wish I had more space to write about this play, but needless to say, Peter Wyngarde as Jan, the man who couldn’t talk of his love like other men, gave a stunningly brilliant performance; controlled and deliberately pitched’. The Daily Mirror

Left: Sight and Sound magazine: July 2017

The BFI’s Simon McCallum, while praising Granada for producing the play, insists that its leading man deserved particular praise. “I think you have to give Wyngarde a massive pat on the back in terms of the bravery in taking this role. There were quite bad reactions from some of the press.” Indeed there was.

Although the moguls of Fleet Street afforded Peter great acclaim for his performance as the young army officer, they lurched between disgust and irritation over the play itself. And whilst Green’s dialogue was filled with compassion and sensitivity, the best most critics could muster was to accuse ITV of being scandalmongers and peddlers of cheap sexual titillation!

“No doubt ITV felt proud of itself as a purveyor of culture in putting on ‘South’, a play about homosexuality”, shrieked the Daily Mail. “But if it hoped to give us a cheap and popular thrill, it lost out”.

Phil Diack of The Times went one step further by suggesting that the viewing public were not mature enough for such things, saying: ‘This was a play that would bore and mystify the great mass of viewers who are ready enough for thin sexual excitement in disguise, but who are thoroughly under equipped to cope with the terrible realities of life. Here, therefore, was a play to baffle and bewilder and annoy nearly every one of the ordinary ITV public who set eyes on it.’

Even The Daily Express – though impressed by Peter, couldn’t quite make their mind up whether to feel compassion or revulsion: ‘I found the dialogue that revealed the homosexuality of the hero, Jan, played to perfection by Peter Wyngarde, immensely, powerfully and thoroughly distasteful. It made me sweat. It made my flesh creep. But it moved me to pity, too – and nearly to tears’.

In 2013 the BFI announced that an original recording of the play had only just been unearthed in the dusty recesses of their archives. The Guardian ran an article about the ‘find’ in its Saturday March 16, 2013 edition: 

‘The discovery of South was made as part of the BFI’s continuing research into the history of gay representation on screen. Researchers are not able to watch everything in the archive and are often alerted by listings in the Radio Times [2] which will hint at something interesting, that there may be a subtext. In this case there was a hint that there was something not quite right about the main character and the fact that he was played by Wyngarde also set bells ringing because we now know he was in a long-term relationship with the actor Alan Bates’.

I find the above segment perplexing, given the fact that I’ve had a copy of it the play since 2002, and I know for a FACT that it’d been shown at various events prior to 2013. I’m also puzzled, although not entirely surprised, as to why the author of this article should suggest that “alarm bells” rang when this play was supposedly unearthed by the Institute, when they found Peter had played the lead role. By the time he played Jan Wicziewsky in ‘South’, he’d already appeared in approximately 140 theatre, TV and radio plays, portraying all manner of characters – including several murderers, a wife-beater, a Macedonian General and a 12th Century knight. Obviously, some people aren’t capable of separating fact from fiction! The article goes on…

‘None of that was known at the time, with Wyngarde going on to be a star and housewives’ favourite from 1969 as Jason King, an agent in the secretive [3] Department S. With his handlebar moustache, enormous hair and largely unbuttoned shirt, King was the ultimate ladies’ man and was one of the inspirations for Mike Myers’s Austin Powers nearly 30 years later.

Although it was well-known in the acting world that Wyngarde was gay – he had the nickname Petunia Winegum – it was a closely guarded secret to the general public. “Watching it does remind you how brave he was at the time to take this role and the way the subject is dealt with is incredibly brave,” said (Simon) McCallum’.

The “discovery” of ‘South’ was said to be “very exciting”, since it’s now believed to be the earliest known British TV play focusing on the subject of homosexuality. Whether or not it actually is the first is hard to say, since many television programmes produced in the 1950’s and 60’s were either shown live, or have been wiped. Given these facts, we’re actually very lucky that the play survived intact.

Bearing in mind that ‘South’ was broadcast live, it’s absolutely extraordinary how well drilled the actors and technicians were. There were actually only two minor mistakes with lines throughout the play, and just the slightest glimpse of stagehand trying to dodge out of the way of the camera.

[1]. The French actor, Louis Jouvet, was Peter’s uncle

[2]. Quite why the play would’ve been listed in the Radio Times is anyone’s guess, given that it was both produced by and broadcast by Granada. At that time, only the TV Times would’ve published Granada schedules.

[3]. There was never any mention in any of its 28 episodes that Department S was a “secretive” organisation.

Contemporary Press Articles

Public Screenings

The British Film Institute: Friday, 1 April, 2016 Play of the Week. Granada Television 1959 Dir Mario Prizek With Peter Wyngarde, Graydon Gould, John Harrison, Bessie Love 80min The earliest surviving gay-themed British TV drama, South stars Peter Wyngarde as Lt Jan Wicziewsky, who visits a southern plantation as the American Civil War looms. The arrival of Eric MacClure (Gould) forces Wicziewsky to face up to his darkest secret: his love for another man. Barely two years after the Wolfenden Report, homosexuality was still taboo – making Wyngarde’s impassioned performance all the more extraordinary.

Click below to see feature on the British Film Institute’s Monday, 3 July, 2017 screening of the play and photographs from Peter’s Q&A:

A

London Aldermanbury

The Champions: The Invisible Man. After a high-speed drive to escape his Invisible tormentor, Sir Fredrick stops outside a church, St. Lawrence Jewry.

Borehamwood, Hertfordshire Allum Lane Cemetery

Department S: The Double Death of Charlie Crippen Jason pulls up outside the main gates of the Villa Fantelle in his Bentley. Later in the same episode, Sir Curtis, Stewart and Annabelle are allowed through the same gates.

Department S: Spencer Bodily is Sixty Years Old Spencer’s body is taken to Fernvale Crematorium.

Department S: The Duplicated Man Annabelle is seen at the gates of the Lucy Williams Home for retired gentlewomen, and is watched by two Russian agents.

Berlin Am Zoo (renamed Hotel Zoo)

Jason King: ‘A Page Before Dying’. 

Hertfordshire Aragon, Elstree Road, Letchmore Heath

Jason King: A Page Before Dying Across on the Western side of the boarder, Ryland watches a hearse carry a coffin into a West Berlin cemetery.

Department S: Handicap Dead. Stewart arrives at The Pines, Rickmansworth, to interview Mrs Lynne.

Department S: The Bones of Byrom Blain. A transit van pulls into the airport. In it is a chest which is to be delivered to the house where Sir Curtis is being held captive. As the van leaves, Stewart climbs up a drain pipe and breaks into the house.

Hertfordshire Associated British Elstree, Shenley Road, Borehamwood (now partly demolished)

Department S: The Trojan Tanker. The fuel tanker comes through the gates of Orly Airport, Paris.

Department S: Soup of the Day: Jason climbed the fence of Ramos & Co. Ltd. Ramos and Segres then enter the building, and when Segres leaves, Jason follows him.

Jason King: An Author in Search of Two Characters. Eve goes through the gates of the house en route to Manor Park House.

B

Arkley (junction of) Barnet Road and Rowley Green Road

Department S: The Duplicated Man en route to see Mrs Harvey, she is followed by two Russian agents.

London Belgrave Square

Department S: Handicap Dead. A limousine is seen parked outside number 31. Later in the same episode, Stewart reports back to Sir Seretse from the limousine.

Paris La Belle Ferronnierre

Exterior shots of which were used extensively in the outstanding double episode of Jason King, ‘All that Glisters’,

Dublin The Berkley Public House, Mountjoy Street

Shot of the clock at the beginning of The Siege of Sidney Street. The pub also doubles for the Coach and Horses public house.

France Bourges Village

All the outdoor location shot on ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ was filmed in this Mediaeval city in central France.

Isle of Skye Broadford Airfield

Opening scenes in Flash Gordon, where the private plane carrying Flash and Dale Arden takes off.

C

Lanzarote Camel Path

Doctor Who: Planet of Fire. Doubled as the mouth of the ‘Great Volcano’.

London Campden Hill Court, Observatory Court, Observatory Gardens, Kensington

The above building in London doubled as Jason’s plush apartment block in Paris in, ‘Jason King’

Cornwall Cape Cornwall, St. Just

Night of the Eagle/Burn, Witch, Burn: The Taylor’s holiday cottage on the cliff top

Lanzarote Cave of Doves

Doctor Who: Planet of Fire. ‘Fire Mountain’ scenes.

London Charing Cross Road

Department S: Handicap Dead. Opening shots: London at night.

Suffolk Charles Manning’s Amusement Park, Felixstow

Above: Peter as Jason King at Charles Manning’s Amusement Park

Jason King: A Thin Band of Air. Jason is posing for publicity shots on a merry-go-round for his new novel, ‘The Russian Roundabout’. Unbeknown to him and photographer, Lee Bailey, assassin John Hewlett, is sitting on the top of the Big Dipper. Hewlet blows the book out of Jason’s hand; Jason and Lee run for cover.

London Cheapside

The Champions: The Invisible Man. Opening shots from Bank Station towards The Royal Exchange.

D

Hertfordshire Dagger Lane, Elstree

The Champions: The Invisible Man. Dr. John Hallam is seen driving his Mercedes towards Rotterdam.

Department S: A Small War of Nerves. Stewart and Jason in a white Vauxhall watch the house where they suspect Greg Halliday is being kept prisoner.

Above: Peter as Norman Taylor in Night of the Eagle in Dagger Lane

Night of the Eagle: Junction of Dagger Lane and Aldenham Road, Elstree.

E

Hertfordshire Elstree Aerodrome, Hog Lane, Borehamwood

The Champions: The Invisible Man. John Hallam drives his Mercedes out of the Dutch airport.

Department S: The Trojan Tanker Jason and Stewart watch Veronica Bray land her plane at the aerodrome.

Above: Stewart and Jason at Elstree Aerodrome in the Department S episode, ‘The Trojan Tanker’

Department S: Handicap Dead Annabelle arrives at the airfield where Jason is about to take off for his parachute jump.

Spain El Molar, Madrid

Alexander the Great.

F

London Fellows Lane

Department S: Blackout. Doctor Lang abducts Peter Sinclair from his London flat.

Department S: Handicap Dead Stuart visits Eddie Curtis’s home at 56, Fairfax House, Fairfax Road, Wimbledon. Later in the same episode, Curtis is taken back to the block of flats by two men.

G

London Gloucester Gate

Department S: The Man in the Elegant Room.

Annabelle arrives at Selena’s house just as her quarry comes out of the door and gets into her car and drives away.

Dublin (Corner of) Graham’s Row and Wellington Street

Where the police and army gather in The Siege of Sidney Street.

Surry Great Fosters Hotel, Egham

Taming of the Shrew scene in ‘Lucy in London’

Above: Peter (centre – white shirt/dark trousers, with back to camera) at Great Fosters

London Great Russell Street

Department S: The Man in the Elegant Room. Annabelle and Stewart take the audio tape of the young man to an expert at the British Museum for her evaluation.

London Gresham Street

The Champions: The Invisible Man. Sir Fredrick drives into Ironmonger Lane. Later, Sharron McCreedy and Craig Sterling follow him as he runs between Wood Street and Guildhall Place. He now goes down Milk Street and into Mumford Court. It is here that Sterling abandons his car and chases him on foot. The both turn right into an alleyway, which has since been redeveloped.

H

Hertfordshire Haberdashers Aske’s School, Aldenham Road, Elstree

Department S: The Double Death of Charlie Crippen. Jason and Stewart climb over the perimeter wall into the

Department S: The Bones of Byrom Blain. Blain’s Rolls Royce stops outside the gates of Marling Dale, and is given entry by the guards outside.

Department S: A Small War of Nerves. Jason scrambles over the wall of the Wiltshire Park Health Hydro, and manages to stay clear of the guard dogs. He finds scientist, Greg Halliday, inside.

Jason King: The Constance Missal As Claudia watches from their car, Elaine gets over the wall of a house. Once inside, she steals the Efridge necklace whilst the hypnotised helplessly watches. Elaine goes back to the car with the necklace, and the two women drive away.

Dublin Halston Street

Peter Piatkow walks Sara home along the street.

Above: Peter as Peter the Painter and Nicole Berger as Sara on Halston Street, Dublin, in ‘The Siege of Sidney Street’.

Hertfordshire Highwood Park House, Nan-Clarke’s Lane, Highwood Hillresham Street

Department S: The Treasure of the Costa Del Sol. Jason follows Helen to Camilo’s house, but is beaten back by a guard dog. The following day, Stuart and Annabel return to the house posing as tourists.

(near) Ivinghoe Ivinghoe Beacon, Ivinghoe Beacon Road and Ridgeway

Above: Peter as Doctor John Hallem with his load of stolen gold

The Champions: The Invisible Man. Doctors John Hallam and Charles Sumner take the lorry-load of gold which has been cast as industrial machinery, through the roads of Holland. Richard Barratt and Sharron McCreedy, who are in one car, and Craig Sterling in another, try to stop them. The lorry passes Pitstone Mill jus before Sterling is able to intercept it.

Department S: The Double Death of Charlie Crippen. A local farmer drives his truck towards the assassination attempt.

Department S: Who Plays the Dummy? The remote-controlled Chevrolet is seen by two motorcycle cops who chase it until it runs off the road. Later on, Jason and Annabelle’s white Jaguar is taken over by remote-control. However, Jason is able to smash the windscreen and Annabelle escapes from the car, followed by Jason, who leaps to safety at the very last minute. Stewart, who is tied to the wheel of a red Mercedes, is sent to crash into a NATO convoy. But Jason manages to overpower one of the gang members, and speeds off in the thug’s car with Annabelle. They free Stewart, and the Mercedes crashes at the side of the road.

Department S: The Treasure of the Costa Del Sol. Thorn and Cal speed along the coast road to where they will dive for the money.

Department S: The Man Who Got a New Face. Gerhard and Nicole find Annabelle blocking the road as they make their way to the Italian border.

Jason King: A Royal Flush. Enzio follows Jason from the hospital.

Jason King: Toki The intoxicated Olivier loses control of his car, which plunges over a cliff.

L

Lanzarote Lanzarote National Park

The volcanic region which surrounds it was used as a stand-in for the ‘Fire Mountain’ on the planet of Sarn.

Above: Peter as Timanov in Lanzarote

Hertfordshire Latimer Village

Department S: The Pied Piper of Hambledown. Doubled as the fictional village of Hambledown.

Hertfordshire (junction of) Letchmore Heath Road and Summerhouse Lane, Patchett Green

Department S: The Pied Piper of Hambledown. Jason and Stuart pull up outside Doctor Brogan’s house at Crossways Cottage.

London Lowndes Street

Department S: The Man In The Elegant Room, Jason visits a number of art dealers with the hope that he might discover who painted the nude hanging on the wall of the elegant room. As he arrives at the first gallery, he stops outside No. 27, which is Ackermann & Johnson, and goes inside.

London Lombard Street

The Champions: The Invisible Man At the beginning of the episode, St Edmund the King church can be seen reflected in the windows of the bank. Later on, Craig Sterling visits Sir Fredrick’s bank, which is at the junction with Clements Lane, (No. 30, Greig Middleton Bank). Sharon Macready’s parks her car opposite the bank in George Yard), where she waits for Sterling.

M

Spain Málaga, Andalucía

Alexander the Great.

London Mansion House

The Baron: The Legions of Ammak. Oleg Cossackian is seen leaving The Royal Exchange.

Spain Manzanares el Real, Madrid

Alexander the Great.

N

London Netherwood Street, Camden

O

London Old Broad Street

The Champions: The Invisible Man Sir Frederick runs across a building site, where the London Stock Exchange is now located, and hides in an alleyway off Adams Court. Sterling arrives at the building site as he hears Sir Fredrick scream.

P

Lanzarote Papagayo Bay

Doctor Who: ‘Planet of Fire’

Cornwall Pedn Vounder Beach

Peter on Pedn Vounder Beach.

London Peter’s Hill

The Champions: The Invisible Man Opening shots from Peter’s Hill steps.

Cornwall Porthcurno Beach, Porthcurno

Several sections of the film was shot on Porthcurno Beach, including the segment in which Tansey (Janet Blair) walks out of the sea.

R

Hertfordshire Rowley Lane, Borehamwood

Above: Jason’s Bentley on Rowley Lane in the Department S episode, ‘A Cellar Full of Silence’.

London Richmond Park

The ‘Duel Scene’ in Liebeli was filmed in the park

S

London St. Paul’s Cathedral

The Champions: The Invisible Man. Opening shots of the City.

Lanzarote Sheep Hill

Doctor Who: Planet of Fire. ‘Fire Mountain’ scenes.

Sussex Sheffield Park

Numerous outdoor shots were filmed in the gardens, around the lake and the front of the mansion house.

Above: Peter as the ghost of Peter Quint at Sheffield Park

Buckinghamshire Shardeloes House, Nr. Amersham

Jason King: Chapter One: The Company I Keep. A large party of Italian diplomats arrive at the Villa just outside of Gorizia. Later in the same episode, Jason and the Contessa di Magiore go to the villa, following a description of the route in Jason’s latest novel. When the police arrive, Jason and his companion leave hastily, but Jason returns to the house later to find Alfred Thistle dead. He chases the supposed killer out of the villa.

Jason King: Wanna Buy a Television Series? Jason chases a young man as he takes his Land Rover from the bar to the Greek island where Umberto Bellini has a villa. Later in the episode, Jason breaks into the villa, and the next day Bellini and Jason watch as they go to check on the hidden treasure buried nearby.

Jason King: A Red, Red Rose Forever Jason is taken by Doctor Claudel to the Clinique Claudel in Geneva, where he is forced to shoot Professor D’Arblay. Later, the Swiss Police arrive to arrest the conspirators.

Hertfordshire Shenley Road, Borehamwood

The Avengers: Epic. Stewart Kirby drives Mrs Peel west along Shenley Road.

Department S: Last Train to Redbridge Jason speaks with the taxi driver who picked up the London Underground employee who left Redbridge tube station.

Department S: Handicap Dead. Stewart observes Eddie Curtis leaving the post office, and tracks him to a cafe opposite.

T

Buckinghamshire Taplow

Outside shots and Taylor’s home, Night of the Eagle/Burn, Witch, Burn

Above: Peter as Norman Taylor in Night of the Eagle

Buckinghamshire Taplow Court

Taplow Court doubled for ‘Hempnell College’ in Night of the Eagle/Burn, Witch, Burn

Above: Taplow Court

Hertfordshire The Thatched Barn Hotel and Elstree Moat House, Rowley Lane, Borehamwood (now demolished)

Above: Peter as Jason King outside the Thatched Barn

Department S: The Trojan Tanker Department S develop a roll of film found in Veronica Bray’s room, the pictures show her a hotel pool.

Department S: The Treasure of the Costa Del Sol Jason goes to the hotel in Marbella to speak to Anita about Thorn.

Above Left: Peter by the pool at The Thatched Barn. (Above Right): Aerial view of the pool.

Department S: The Bones of Byrom Blain. Jason retraces Blain’s last journey, and ends up at the Nag’s Head restaurant. Lomax meets Crawley and Logan as they arrive at the Vale End Garage. He is told about Jason. Later, Annabelle at the restaurant to find Jason.

Jason King: Nadine. Jason follows Nadine to Achille’s hotel.

Hertfordshire The Three Horseshoes and Village Green, Letchmore Heath

Department S: Handicap Dead. En route from the airport, the transit van goes through a village (Back Lane).

Department S: The Pied Piper of Hambledown. Jason arrives in the deserted village of Hambledown.

Jason King: An Author in Search of Two Characters Claire follows Eve to Manor Park House, the latter of whom returns with Jason. After switching places with Strong, Jason leaves with Eve and Ackroyd.

London Tower Bridge

Department S: The Man From ‘X’. At the beginning of the episode, two lovers find a quiet corner to park their Mini for a kiss.

Department S: The Man Who Got A New Face Sir Curtis and Stewart meet in the Royal Armoury.

Hertfordshire Tykes Water Lake, Bridge and Approach Road, Aldenham Park, Elstree

The Avengers: Epic. Steed and Mrs Peel are filmed watching Stewart Kirby, who is disguised as a vicar, cycle past them in Fitzroy Lane

Above: Peter (disguised as a vicar) on ‘Fitzroy Lane’

W

London Waterloo Railway Station

Department S: A Small War of Nerves. Greg Halliday arrives by train after escaping from Jason and Stewart. He walks through the entrance of platform 13.

Dublin Wellington Street (lower from Mountjoy Street), Phibsborough

Scene where the anarchists were holed up in The Siege of Sidney Street.

London White City Underground Station (now closed)

Department S: Last Train To Redbridge. Platforms at the station were used during the underground scenes.

London Wood Street

The Champions: The Invisible Man. Sir Fredrick hurriedly leaves his office and to his waiting car. He drives off leaving his Chauffer standing open-mouthed. Later on, McCreedy and Sterling observe Sir Fredrick being forced to run from his invisible attacker

Click below for more locations…

Observations on Peter Wyngarde in the Prisoner episode, ‘Checkmate’

In asking 1960’s viewers to think seriously about the world around them, and about authority in particular, Patrick MaGoohan presented us with the various forms of that authority in the various models of Number 2 – the omnipresent overseer in the mysterious twilight world that was “The Village”. Whether it was the coldly efficient Guy Doleman in ‘Arrival’, the reliable and trusted Leo McKern in ‘The Chimes of Big Ben’ and ‘One Upon A Time’; the nervous Colin Gordon in ‘A.B. & C’, or the paranoiac and unbalanced Patrick Cargill in ‘Hammer Into Anvil’, the series presented these feudal lords in such guises ranging from the outright callous to the (ostensibly) benevolent.

Peter Wyngarde’s Number 2, however, presented us with a very different face, From the opening voice-over exchange with McGoohan’s Number 6, we hear that this Number 2 is new; his responses to the snappily barked tones of his prize captive are distinctive. Neither hotly emotive nor coldly flat – these tones are modulated; balanced. Even the classic “We want information. Information! Information!” scarcely rises in its crescendo. Yet we get a subtle hint of underlying menace in the considerable gap that the actor leaves between: “By hook or by crook,” and “We will!” – adding great emphasis to the latter half of the phrase.

Writer, Gerald Kelsy, takes the game of chess and uses it for a multi-layered metaphor on life, both within and outside ‘The Village’. He takes the confined environment of 64 black and white squares and uses it to examine the relationship of the pieces within the equally confined, yet picturesque, prison.

Of course, looking down on all this from a distance is the player – the man who, in isolation, holds the power to affect both his own pieces moves and the respective moves of the opposition. Peter Wyngarde is, essentially, this player – despite the fact that he has relatively little screen time and often seems removed from the fray. Much of the episode is left to Number 6, who is somewhat under the impression that HE is in fact the player of the game, and that his plans to discover who are genuine prisoners and how to use them to aid his escape.

Unlike previous Number 2’s within ‘The Village’, Peter’s chief administrator is prepared – in many aspects – to allow Number 6 the full length of his leash. Like any good chess player, he seems to be taking the overview and appears to be thinking at least two or three moves ahead. Notice Peter’s earliest scenes in the Surveillance Room with Basil Dignam’s Observer. Number 2 takes, at first, a somewhat casual view of Number 6’s activities; “Well, he seems alright to me”, but immediately after tells the Observer not to let himself be fooled. Most importantly though, it is the Observer who says that he will keep Number 6 under close watch; Peter appears to take the casual outlook still.

The detachment is further observed in Number 2’s treatment of the rouge Rook. Despite alarms going off and loudspeaker announcements everywhere, Peter’s subdued reaction is simply to call the Rook into hospital for treatment; no panic. Wearing his old college scarf and with his “Hail-fellow well-met” greeting to Number 6 before taking him to see the Rook, Number 2’s attitude is that of an old friend meeting an old friend. However, al chilling scene takes place within the hospital’s Observation Room.

Peter’s attitude to the Pavlovian treatment of the Rook is as cold and scientific as that of Patricia Jessel’s unfeeling doctor. Throughout the scene he maintains a steady gaze upon the poor Rook – a look which is interested, yet unaffected by the rebels trauma at his shock treatment. It’s clear that this Number 2 values society as it exists within The Village above all else. His ultimate aim seems to be conformity by all. Side by side, Number 2 and the Doctor are easily more menacing than Lady Macbeth and her driven spouse were – and yet no direct threat is uttered by either.

When he learns that Number 6 is becoming involved with the reintegrated Rook, Number 2 declines close observation of the pair after consulting with the Doctor about the Rooks enforced social rehabilitation. He puts his faith in both science and the society which science has created. Again, this Number 2 remains aloof and is still prepared to let the game play itself out. His faith in science is further enhanced when he brings the now suspect Number 6 in for scientific analysis and evaluation.

Cold detachment really comes to the fore in Number 2’s and the Doctors treatment of Roselie Crutchley’s ‘Queen’. Now Number 2 is prepared to use basic human emotion to his own ends – by hypnosis, they persuade The Queen that she is in love with Number 6, and he with her – so much so that he’s given her a locket. Contained within the jewelry is a transistorised device which monitors her pulse. By this method they will be able to gauge if Number 6 is in the vicinity.

Again, Number 2 is taking a chance playing the game at long distance. Despite the fact that he has many good visual sources within The Village at his disposal, he trusts to his method. He also demonstrates a deeply hidden callousness in playing with this particular emotion in this way – thinking not of the consequences to The Queen.

In spite of the fact that Number 6 steals a Minimoke, Peter’s character remains cool and tells the observer not to act unless he gets a formal alert. Thus the game continues and Number 6 begins to realise his escape plan. Some time elapses before Number 2 is seen again, this time talking to The Rook on the beach – but even here his bonhomie is littered with scientific psychological terminology.

Meanwhile, Number 6 discovers the locket and takes it from The Queen. The Observer and the Doctor begin to panic until they’re able to get Number 6 within the camera’s eye.

In their next move, Number 6 and his small band of potential escapees transmit a false radio Mayday in the hope of being rescued from outside. When alerted, Number 2 is unmoved by this, prepared to leave a responding ship to it. The Observer undertakes a radar search and realises that the radio source is close to The Village, so he orders a searchlight sweep. Number 6 knocks out the dangerous light and the Observer is forced to call Number 2.

Finally we see another face of Number 2 – he is in the Control Room dressed in Oriental robes and is in a posture of meditation. Only now does he appear flustered – his private moment of concentration has been broken. His reaction to this disturbance is to Karate chop, and break, a piece of wood which has lain before him throughout. Martial Arts – another aspect of controlled activity; of channelled emotion.

By the time Number 6 and his crew storm the Green Dome, Number 2 is dressed and ready to greet them, in a calm and friendly manner; he doesn’t even object to being tied up! The Prisoner makes good his escape and arrives on the boat, MS Polotska. But no sooner is he on-board than the television monitor flickers into life. There, again from a distance, is Number 2 – observing and commenting on the situation. The camera pulls back to reveal the whole picture – with him is The Rook, and on his console is a single chess piece: a pawn.

The game is played out. Number 2 observes that the basic flaw in 6’s plan was his own strategy – in contriving to use his own psychological test to determine who were the ‘Prisoners’ and who were the ‘Warders’, Number 6 failed to see that his strategy could work against him as we as for him. Thus The Rook had taken Number 6 for a Warder and the whole escape plan for a trap. As Number 2 coolly puts it: “There has been a slight misunderstanding”, and he points to the fact that the Polotska is a Village vessel.

Number 6 smashed the TV and attempts to escape. Only now does Number 2 sound an official alert – even this is done characteristically; without any fuss whatsoever, he presses a button on his console to activate Rover – the Village ‘Guardian’. As the action concludes, Number 2 can be seen gently strumming his fingers in the background – waiting. The game’s symbolism ends as Number 6 is returned to The Village and the dwarf butler replaces the pawn from the console onto the main chessboard. It was the only piece out of place…

My Conclusion

‘Checkmate’ is one of the definitive Prisoner episodes, not only for its extensive use of the Portmeirion locations and the now classic game itself. Like a good game of chess, ‘Checkmate’ is a spirited progression, complete with sacrifices, move and counter-move, until we reach an end, which can be one of only two things – the destruction of the king or stalemate. On the surface there is such a stalemate. Number 2 has not broken Number 6, but then neither has Number 6 escaped his prison. Neither man has achieved his outward goal. However, I would suggest that this is the one episode in the series in which The Village has a clear victory.

In his isolation, Number 6 has just one thing he can rely upon – himself. His own mind. His independent, individualistic psyche. Yet here, in this battle of wills – in this game – he has clearly been defeated. Not by any simple action or reaction by his opponent, but by himself. He was his own worst enemy.

It is to the credit of Peter Wyngarde and his director, the late Don Chaffey, that this Number 2 came out so well. The Village chief is played almost exactly as a mirror image of Number 6 himself – cool, calm and collected – but clearly aware of every other strategy on the table.

Jason King may’ve been cool, but even HE might shiver if he met THIS mysterious Number 2!

Written by Al Samujh

More About ‘Checkmate’

 

Peter’s visits to Australia 1970, ’71 & ’72

Following an unprecedented response by viewers to Channel 7’s broadcasts of Department S in 1970, Peter was invited “Down Under” for a tour of Australia’s major cities to help promote the networks self-styled “TV revolution”.

On his arrival at Sydney airport on March 1st, Peter, who was wearing a cream-coloured suit, matching lime green shirt and tie, with white patent leather boots, was greeted by an estimated 35,000 hysterical fans, all of whom proceeded to stampede through police safety barriers in an attempt to get near to their idol. Unfortunately, Peter suffered concussion in the crush, and had to spend the next three days in hospital.

Peter’s next port of call was Melbourne, where he managed to take a well-earned break to soak up the sun at his luxury hotel before making a guest appearance on the Mike Walsh Show, which was broadcast at 9pm on March 5th. After taking part in an interview with the show’s host, Peter performed two songs from his album.

During his week-long stay in the city, Peter also made a guest appearance in the crime thriller ‘Homicide’, which was shown on Channel 7 in May of 1970.

From Melbourne, Peter moved on to Brisbane where, once again, he was met by hoards of screaming fans – many of whom had quite obviously skipped school for the day if the ranks of different school uniforms where anything to go by!

In order to avoid subjecting their VIP guest to a further stint in hospital, airport officials managed to organise a safe exit for the somewhat nervous-looking star who, by this point in time, had already spent more than two hours dishing out kisses to housewives, handshakes to their husbands, and autographed photos to their teenage daughters.

As part of Channel 7’s promotion, Peter was asked to record several ‘links’, using slogans such as; “Channel 7 is beautiful… long live the revolution!” – a statement which soon became the catchphrase for teenagers throughout Australia.

During the same month, one of Melbourne’s leading TV listings magazines ran the headlines: ‘Enter Wyngarde – A beautiful job for a dandy,’ which reported on Peter’s involvement with Channel 7’s campaign. Describing him as ‘…the king peacock of television’, they went on to say: ‘In the Department S series, Wyngarde plays Jason King, a crime-busting novelist. He gets into some pretty tough scrapes but usually manages to escape with his long hair and silk shirt unruffled.’

Meanwhile, at Peter’s hideout in the City centre, more than fifty young women had taken up residence outside his hotel, bringing in camping equipment and having food shipped in to them so as not to miss a single opportunity to catch a glimpse of their idol. It was reported that three of their more daring number miraculously succeeded in scaling the outer wall of the hotel, and for one night at least, slept on the balcony of Peter’s 12th-floor balcony before police officers lead them away. Even hotel staff got themselves in on the act when two maids crept into Peter’s room whilst he was sleeping, and cut hair from his moustache and chest!!!

Peter arrived back home in England on April 15th to immediately begin work on the new series, Jason King, which made a spectacular debut on Australia’s Channel 7 the following year.

There was a frenzy of fan activity when a local newspaper, The Gold Coast Bulletin, let slip that Peter would be attending a reception at the Sands Hotel, and that a number of well-known dignitaries would be a attending.

On hearing the news, one of Peter’s biggest fans – Switchboard Operator, Pam Harris – decided to call all the local newspaper and radio stations on the Gold Coast to ask why no fans had been invited to meet him. Someone must’ve been listening, as the idea of having a fan or two there was taken up by the event organisers, who invited Ms Harris and her family along.

Right: Peter with Pam

With a photographer in tow, Pam and her parents arrived at The Sands to find the ubiquitous gaggle of beauties milling around, along with local dignitaries and other big-wigs.

When Peter joined them, he shook hands with everyone and was presented with a book about The Gold Coast, to which he said: “I love presents!” Champagne and nibbles were consumed, and the Peter and the Harris Family were escorted to the beach for a brief photo’ shoot.

After a short time Peter, who was still feeling the effects of jetlag, turned to the professional photographers and told them that he’d had enough of having his picture taken. Mr Harris immediately put his camera away, but then Peter turned to him and said: “It’s OK. I didn’t mean you”. In this was he was able to maximize fan contact.

Peter and Ms Harris featured in several newspapers during the following week, and since she’d just become engaged, more than one hack wanted to know if the ring she was wearing was from Peter!

Almost exactly a year later, Peter returned to Australia to take the lead role in the World Premier of Simon Gray’s play, Butley at the Metro Theatre in Melbourne.

As before, thousands of teenage girls had succeeded in finding a way to bunk off school for the day, and had all made their way to the airport to try and catch a glimpse of him. Determined not to have a repeat of the hysteria they’d experienced a year earlier, airport security officers had arranged to keep Peter away from the Arrivals Lounge where most of the fans (mainly women!) had congregated, and had brought him in through a side entrance, and straight to Passport Control.

However, as Peter and two Security Officers were walking along one of the corridors two 9-year-old girls, who’d managed to evade both the police and airport staff, came charging around the corner – arms and hair flying – straight at Peter. After showering him in hugs and kisses, the two girls were lead away by one of the Security Officers.

During his brief stay in Sidney, a popular magazine held a poll which asked women who was ‘he man they’d most like to lose our virginity to. 49,000 Votes were returned, 40,000 of which stated quite emphatically, PETER WYNGARDE!

The following year, he was invited back to Oz, and on June 16th, 1972, Peter’s left handprint was immortalized in cement at the Bunnings (previously McEwans) hardware emporium in Melbourne Australia.

During the late Nineties, all the hand and footprints were relocated to the interior wall of the store, since many of them were being eroded by pedestrians walking over them. 

Alas, the Melbourne CBD Bunnings no longer exists. However, the handprints have been put into storage at City of Melbourne’s archive space.

Peter in… Sydney

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Read about Peter’s other promotional tours by clicking below:

During the early days of the Hellfire Club, Mr Dennis Spooner was kind enough to answer some of our questions for the Club magazine. I’d like to thank his sister – Mrs. Anne Frost, who is a very dear friend, for kindly organising our meeting.

Dennis Spooner’s ITC series like The Champions and Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), always sold well in America and other overseas territories and , for that, he was criticised.

“During the Sixties,” he says, “I was bitterly attacked by somebody who said, ‘Look! There’s Spooner sitting at Elstree pandering to the American’s!’ I wrote him a letter saying you’re wrong. I’m pandering to the Japanese and the German’s and everybody. ITC were basically exporting company. We were earning foreign currency. We got the Queen’s Award to Industry. It’s no good trying to sell a locomotive to America if they insist on building it for a gauge track that’s relevant to Britain. I don’t see why people get so upset when you do the same thing in television. The alternative was not that we would make a TV series without pandering. The alternatives were even worse. They made the last series of The Professionals for something like £169,00. You have to sell an expensive series abroad.

Department S was that every ‘hook’ was a Marie Celeste. There was an absolutely inexplicable beginning, which we then spent 50 minutes explaining.”

The three central characters in the series were straightforward investigator, Stewart Sullivan (Joel Fabiani), a computer Genius who worked on facts and probabilities, Annabelle Hurst (Rosemary Nicols), and Jason King (Peter Wyngarde), an imaginative writer.

“I knew,” said Spooner, “that during the war, Winston Churchill had got hold of Dennis Wheatley and said; ‘Ok. You’re clever. Get me six thriller writers and tell me how to win the war!’ If they were ever to get a department to investigate Marie Celeste’s, they’d get Ian Fleming and Dennis Wheatley. With the three heroes in Department S you got the normal approach and the analytical approach and a hair-brained approach from someone who gave ridiculous explanations which, every now and then, were right. Jason King tends to turn up for ten minutes in Department S; behave like a combination of Ian Flemming and Noel Coward – obviously thought he was God, and made lots of money. He worked very well because we saw him in small doses and he never dominated the show”.

The outcome of these relatively short appearances, though, was astonishing. Peter Wyngarde became a television star in Britain and a megastar in (West) Germany. “He was enormous in Germany,” says Spooner. “He got voted Man of the Year with Willi Brant second. We paid Peter so many pounds in salary, but he made sort of a million quid a year going over to Germany every Sunday opening supermarkets.”

Peter was such an international success that when Department S ended, ITC got worldwide bookings for a Jason King series before they’d even they’d even thought of making any such show. Because the buyers clearly existed, ITC felt that they were commercially obliged to make the series and asked Dennis Spooner to create it.

“I’m not saying that I didn’t want to do the Jason King series,” says Spooner, “but I thought the failing of Jason King was just what it turned out to be – that in big doses, he’d be too flamboyant.” On the other hand, there were immense possibilities for humour which appealed to Spooner.

“What other series could you have a hero who hardly ever won a fight?” he asks. “In one episode, he knew the crooks were going to meet in a warehouse, so he had himself delivered to the warehouse in a packing case with champagne and everything. It goes into the warehouse, but then they put about 30 other cases on top of it and he never got out until the end of the episode! What other show could you do that to your leading man?”

AUDIO BOOKS

Be Thou Now Persuaded Living In A Shakespeare World (Cassette)

The Book of Job 12″ Vinyl

Cyrano De Bergerac 12″ Vinyl

The Two Gentlemen of Verona 12″ Vinyl

The Two Gentlemen of Verona Cassette

COMPELATIONS

The Art of Flipping Channels CD

The A to Z of British TV Themes From The 60’s and 70’s CD

The Avengers and Other Top Sixties Themes CD

British Mod Sounds (Vol. 2) CD

Blow Up Presents Exclusive Blend (Vol. 4) CD

Classic Sixties TV Themes CD

Cult TV Themes by Laurie Johnson CD

Famous TV Themes 12″ Vinyl

50 Popular TV Themes 12″ Vinyl

Magic In The Air CD

Magpie: 20 Junkshop Pop Ads and Themes CD

The Music of ITC (Vol. 1) CD

Original TV Hits of the Sixties 12″ Vinyl

Picado 12″ Vinyl

Power Themes CD

Quest: Graham Roos CD

The Sound Gallery (Vol. 2) CD

This Is… Cult Fiction Royale CD

Top TV Themes CD

Who Would Have Thought It CD

Your Top TV Tunes 12″ Vinyl

SOUNDTRACKS

Alexander The Great 12″ Vinyl

Theme from Alexander the Great 7″ Vinyl

Theme from Department S 7″ Vinyl

Theme from Department S 7″ Vinyl

Department S: Original Soundtrack Highlights CD

Track listing: 1 – Opening sting 2 – Incidental cue originally composed for The Man In The Elegant Room 3 – Opening titles 4 – 9 Incidental cues originally composed for The Man In The Elegant Room 10 – 13 Incidental cues originally composed for The Pied Piper of Hambledown 14 – 18 Incidental cues originally composed for A Cellar Full of Silence 19 – Sevillanas – Traditional piece of piece from The Treasure of the Costa Del Sol 20 – 24 Incidental cues originally composed for Handicap Dead 25 – 29, 31, 33 Incidental cues originally composed for The Man Who Got a New Face 30 – C’Etait Peut-etre, composed by André Lutereau with lyics by Jacques Touray, featured in The Man Who Got a New Face 32 – Lorsqu’on est Heureux, composed by Francis Lai with lyrics by Claude Delécluse, featured in The Man Who Got a New Face 34 – 39, 41 Incidental cues originally composed for Dead Men Die Twice 40 Clair de Lune, composed by Claude Debussy, featured in Dead Men Die Twice 42 – 48 Incidental cues originally composed for A Fish Out of Water 49 – 53 Incidental cues originally composed for A Small War of Nerves 54 – Closing titles

Premiere single CD soundtrack release. Digitally remastered from the original session tapes

Department S: Original Soundtrack Highlights CD

Flash Gordon: Original Soundtrack CD

Track List 1: Flash’s Theme 2: In The Space Capsule (Love Theme) 3: Ming’s Theme (In The Court Of Ming The Merciless) 4: The Ring (Hypnotic Seduction Of Dale) 5: Football Fight 6: In The Death Cell (Love Theme Reprise) 7: Execution Of Flash 8: The Kiss (Aura Resurrects Flash) 9: Arboria (Planet Of The Tree Men) 10: Escape From The Swamp 11: Flash To The Rescue 12: Vultan’s Theme (Attack Of The Hawk Men) 13: Battle Theme 14: Wedding March 15: Marriage Of Dale And Ming (And Flash Approaching) 16: Crash Dive On Mingo City 17: Flash’s Theme Reprise (Victory Celebrations) 18: The Hero

Flash Gordon: Original Soundtrack – Limited Editon 12″ Vinyl

Theme from Jason King 7″ Vinyl

Theme from Jason King 7″ Vinyl

Jason King Original Soundtrack CD

Track List: 1-1: Jason King: Opening Titles 1-2: Incidental Cue From “Nadine” 1-3: Incidental Cue From “A Thin Band Of Air” 1-4: Incidental Cue From “If It’s Got To Go – It’s Got To Go” 1-5: Incidental Cue From “A Thin Band Of Air” 1-6: Incidental Cue From “An Author In Search Of Two Characters” 1-7: Incidental Cue From “A Deadly Line In Digits” 1-8: Incidental Cue From “Nadine” 1-9: Incidental Cue From “Nadine” 1-10: Incidental Cue From “A Thin Band Of Air” 1-11: Incidental Cue From “A Thin Band Of Air” 1-12: Incidental Cue From “Nadine” 1-13: Incidental Cue From “A Thin Band Of Air” 1-14: Incidental Cue From “A Thin Band Of Air” 1-15: Incidental Cue From “A Thin Band Of Air” 1-16: Incidental Cue From “Nadine” 1-17: Incidental Cue From “Nadine” 1-18: Incidental Cue From “Nadine” 1-19: Incidental Cue From “Flamingos Only Fly On Tuesdays” 1-20: Incidental Cue From “A Deadly Line In Digits” 1-21: Incidental Cue From “Nadine” 1-22: Incidental Cue From “A Deadly Line In Digits” 1-23: Incidental Cue From “Toki” 1-24: Incidental Cue From “A Deadly Line In Digits” 1-25: Incidental Cue From “A Thin Band Of Air” 1-26: Incidental Cue From “A Thin Band Of Air” 1-27: Incidental Cue From “A Thin Band Of Air” 1-28: Unused Cue 1-29: Incidental Cue From “Nadine” 1-30: Incidental Cue From “A Thin Band Of Air” 1-31: Incidental Cue From “If It’s Got To Go – It’s Got To Go” 1-32: Incidental Cue From “All That Glisters” 1-33: Pre-Credits From “Flamingos Only Fly On Tuesday” 1-34: Incidental Cue From “Nadine” 1-35: Pre-credits from “Nadine” 1-36: Unused Cue 1-37: Pre-Credits From “Zenia” 1-38: Pre-Credits From “Every Picture Tells A Story” 1-39: Pre-Credits To “From Russia With…Panache” 1-40: Incidental Cue From “If It’s Got To Go – It’s Got To Go” 1-41: Incidental Cue From “Flamingos Only Fly On Tuesdays” 1-42: Incidental Cue From “Uneasy Lies The Head” 1-43: Incidental Cue From “Nadine” 1-44: Incidental Cue From “From Russia With…Panache” 1-45: Unused Cue 1-46: Commercial Break Sting 2-1: Club From “The Company I Keep” 2-2: Club From “The Company I Keep” 2-3: News from “Nadine” 2-4: Carrier Radio From “A Deadly Line In Digits”

Theme from Tank Malling 7″ Vinyl

ALBUMS AND SINGLES

Peter Wyngarde’ by Peter Wyngarde 12″ Vinyl

‘When Sex Leers It’s Inquisitive Head’ by Peter Wyngarde CD

Peter Wyngarde “Commits” Rape/The Way I Cry Over You 7″ Vinyl

Peter Wyngarde: ‘Le Ronde De L’Amor‘ 7″ Vinyl

Alexander the Great DVD & BluRay

The Avengers: Series 4 Boxset DVD & BluRay

Episode of Interest: ‘A Touch of Brimstone‘

Extras:

Commentaries

• The Town of No Return with director Roy Ward Baker and scriptwriter/producer Brian Clemens.
• The Master Minds with scriptwriter Robert Banks Stewart.
• Dial A Deadly Number with scriptwriter Roger Marshall.
• The Hour That Never Was with director Gerry O’Hara.
• The House That Jack Built with director Don Leaver.
• The Series of No Return – Exclusive audio interview with Elizabeth Shepherd.
• The Masterminds – alternate UK opening and closing credits and alternate UK bumper. Standard UK Bumper – If you caught up with the repeats on Channel 4 back in the early 1980s then this will be familiar to you as episodes went to the ad breaks.
• Television play made for ITV and transmitted in December 1964 and where Diana Rigg was spotted as the potential replacement for Elizabeth Shepherd.
  USA Chessboard Opening sequence.
• Episode reconstructions – From the first series we get reconstructions of Kill The King and Dead of Winter using narrator, telesnaps and stills.
• ITN Newsreel Footage – Some very brief snippets featuring the Avengers fashion show, Patrick Macnee’s wedding, a Rigg interview. Reconstructed John Stamp trailer – Presumably a trailer for the return of the show on ITV. The Strange Case Of The Missing Corpse – Test colour footage shot on the set of Honey For The Prince.
• Image Galleries. Alternate Tags and Opening Titles.
• DVD Rom – PDF versions of the draft and shooting scripts from the series, ABC’s episode synopses, ABC PR about Jacqueline Pearce starring in A Sense Of History to tie in with her Hammer appearance in The Reptile, Sue Lloyd’s role in A Surfeit Of H20 and Emma’s use of ‘Kung-Fu’, loads of production memos between the likes of Julian Wintle and Brian Tesler, TV Times and TV World coverage from 1965.

The Avengers: Series 5 Boxset DVD & BluRay

Episode of Interest: ‘Epic’ 

 Extras:

•  The commentary to The Winged Avenger.
• Commentary from Peter on the episode Epic.
•  Stunt artist Cyd Childs and writer/producer Brian Clemens also offer interesting stories and anecdotes on their own commentaries for, respectively, Return of the Cybernauts and Murdersville.
• Archive German TV interview with Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg Episode trims from The Fear Merchants, Escape In Time, From Venus With Love and The See-Through Man The Avengers – A Retrospective (documentary produced for the Lumiere VHS releases) ATV newsreel footage (Diana Rigg receives TV Award) The Avengers – “They’re Back” archive trailer Filmed episode intros by Brian Clemens to The Bird Who Knew Too Much, The Living Dead, Epic, The Correct Way To Kill, The Superlative Seven, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Station, The Joker and Murdersville Granada + points for each episode Episode Reconstructions for lost Series 1 episodes One For The Mortuary, Death on The Slipway, Tunnel of Fear and Dragonsfield 1960s German Titles Insert reprint of series 5 promotional brochure Stills gallery for featured episodes (literally hundreds of images) PDF material including shooting scripts, TV Times and more An essential purchase but marred by that sound fault so proceed with caution and check that Optimum are still replacing the erroneous discs and replacing stock in stores.

The Baron: Complete Series DVD

Extras:

• Interviews with Johnny Goodman and Sue Lloyd
• Extensive Image Gallery
• PR Image Gallery with surviving music soundtrack
• Trailers and credits for feature film versions
• On-Set footage at Elstree Studios
• Commercial Break Bumpers
• Foreign Titles
• Script PDF’s Press Booklet PDF

Bulman: Series 1 DVD

Dick Barton Strikes Back DVD

Burn, Witch, Burn/Night of the Eagle BluRay

Burn, Witch, Burn Laserdisc

A Choice of Coward DVD

The Champions Boxset DVD

Extras: 

• The Beginning and Autokill, features a commentary with Malcolm Christopher, Ken Baker and Roy Ward Baker.
• The Special Features (Disc 8)
• We Are The Champions: A new documentary on the show that features its three stars, Stuart Damon, William Gaunt and Alexandra Bastedo
• Artistes Test Footage
• Stills Gallery with soundtrack of incidental music by Edwin Astley.
• 9th Disc: Legend Of The Champions (81m25s), a feature length film produced for foreign markets by the editing together of The Beginning and The Interrogation with an animated title sequence. Episodic Trailer Gallery: Features eighteen trailers with optional UK and US narration selectable from the DVD remote.
• Four Generic Trailers and four promos for Channel 9 with Stuart Damon , William Gaunt, Alexandra Bastedo and all three cast members together.
• Variant Title Sequence ,
• Original Commercial Break Bumpers.
• Merchandise Image Gallery.

The Comic Strip Presents…: The Complete Collection DVD

Department S: The Complete Series BluRay

Department S: 30th Anniversary Box Set DVD

Extras:

• Exclusive Audio Commentaries With Peter Wyngarde
• Production Notes
• Inserted Booklet Reprint Of Original ITC Publicity Brochure
• Biographies
• Rare Production Photographs
• Image Galleries
• Original ITC Publicity
• Memorabilia
• Trailer
• Music & Effects Audio Tracks
• Motion Menu
• Scene Selection
• Umbrella Propaganda

Department S: Complete Series Box Set DVD

Extras:

• Wanna watch a television series?- Chapter One: Variations on a theme:
• An exclusive new documentary on the making of Department S, narrated by Peter Bowles and featuring contributions from, amongst others, Joel Fabiani, Rosemary Nicols and Cyril Frankel.
• Commentary on Six Day with Cyril Frankel and Ken Baker.
• Commentary on The Double Death of Charlie Crippen with writer Leslie Darbon.
• Extensive image gallery (including many behind the scenes and coverage of the inaugural press party) accompanied by a suite of music from the series.
• The Mysterious Man In The Flying Machine – 25 minutes long international version.
• Extensive episodic image gallery (mute).
• Commercial break bumper.
• Extensive PDF materials, including original press pack information, UK and USA brochures, quick facts, press information and more.

Department S: Complete Series Box Set Blu-Ray

Limited Edition – 1,500 copies only

• Format: PAL
• Language: English
• Region: Region B/2 
• Number of discs: 7
• Classification: 12
• Studio: Imprint
• DVD Release Date: December 2025
• Run Time: 1417 minutes

7-DISC BLU-RAY SET + 228-page hardcover booklet

Special Features and Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
NEW Audio commentary on The Man in the Elegant Room
Audio commentary on The Pied Piper of Hambledown by Peter
NEW Audio commentary on Handicap Dead by ITC Entertained The World
Audio commentary on Six Days by director Cyril Frankel and assistant director Ken Baker
NEW Audio commentary on Six Days by Kim Newman and BFI television consultant Dick Fiddy
Audio commentary on The Double Death of Charlie Crippen by writer Leslie Darbon
NEW Audio commentary on A Ticket to Nowhere by ITC historians Jonathan Wood and Rick Davy
NEW Audio commentary on The Man From X by film critic Kim Newman and BFI television consultant / ITC expert Dick Fiddy
NEW Audio commentary on The Perfect Operation
25-minute international version of The Mysterious Man in the Flying Machine
Audio introduction on A Small War of Nerves by actor Peter
NEW Audio commentary on A Small War of Nerves by film critic Kim Newman and BFI television consultant / ITC expert Dick Fiddy
Wanna Watch a Television Series? Chapter One – Variations on a Theme
Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono
Original Aspect Ratio: 1.33

Bonus Disc: Jason King
1080p high-definition presentation on Blu-ray of three episodes of spin-off series Jason King, from brand NEW 2K scans of the original 16mm elements by Imprint Films
NEW IN HD “Wanna Buy A Television Series?” – featuring commentary

Doctor Who: ‘Planet of Fire’ DVD

 EXTRAS: (Planet of Fire disc)

Disc 1

•  Episode commentary by Peter Davidson, Nicola Bryant, Mark Strickson and Fiona Cumming
• ‘The Flames of Sarn’ – Cast and crew look back on Planet of Fire
• Director, Fiona Cumming and designer, Malcolm Thornton revisit the locations
• Designs on Sarn – Malcolm Thornton on production design
• Deleted and Extended scenes
• BBC Continuity
• Photo Gallery
• Coming Soon Trailer
• PDF DVD-ROM – PC/MAC
• Production information subtitlesDisc 2
• Feature-length version of Planet of Fire (widescreen). Digitally remastered with 5.1 Sound and new CGI effects. Introduction by original director, Fiona Cumming
• Remembering Anthony Ainley
• Calling the Shots – A look at the story’s production

Don’t Knock Yourself Out DVD

Includes a combination of archive and newly filmed interviews with nearly 40 people, including Peter Wyngarde, Annette Andre, Bernard Williams, David Tomblin, Derren Nesbitt, Anton Rodgers, Michael Grade, George Baker and Peter Bowles. This documentary aims to be the final word on the inside story of what many consider to be one of the finest TV series ever made.

Flash Gordon Laserdisc

Flash Gordon Laserdisc

Flash Gordon DVD & BluRay

Extras (Blu-Ray):

• The Blu-ray carries over the bonus features from the 2007 Saviour of the Universe Edition DVD
• Alex Ross, Renowned Comic Artist, on Flash Gordon.
• Writing a Classic: Screenwriter, Lorenzo Semple Jr.
• First episode of the Flash Gordon 1936 serial.
• Theatrical Trailer.

HD Bonus Content:

• The following features are new to the Blu-ray.
• BD-Live: Requires Profile 2.0

Extras (DVD):

• Photo Gallery
• Trailer

Flash Gordon: 40th Anniversary Box Set 4K BluRay

• Format: 4K
• Language: English
• Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired: English
• Number of discs: 5
• Classification: 15
• Studio: Studiocanal
• DVD Release Date: 10 Aug. 2020
• ASIN: B087XLTTB8

EXTRAS

The UHD, DVD and Blu-Ray Disc 1 includes:

• The main feature (1 hr 47)
• New Lost in Space: Nic Roeg’s Flash Gordon (also iTunes extra)
• Audio commentary with Mike Hodges
• Audio commentary with Brian Blessed
• Behind the scenes of Flash Gordon
• Stills gallery (also iTunes extra)
• Storyboards gallery (also iTunes extra)
• Original theatrical trailer

Blu-Ray Disc 2 includes:

• Interview with Mike Hodges
• Interview with comic book artist Alex Ross TBC
• Interview with screenwriter Lorenzo Semple, Jr. TBC
• Episode 24 of Flash Gordon (1979-1982): The Survival Game / Gremlin’s Finest Hour
• Sam Jones’s acting start
• Entertainment Earth on Flash Gordon merchandise
• Bob Lindenmayer discusses deleted scenes and original endings
• 35^th Anniversary Greenroom
• 35^th Anniversary reunion featurette
• Renato Casaro extended interview
• Brian Blessed anecdotes
• Melody’s musings
• On the soundtrack (Brian May & Howard Blake)
• Easter Eggs

The 5 disc Collector’s Edition includes:

• The UHD and 2 Blu-ray discs
• Bonus Blu-Ray Disc of Life After Flash, the 2017 feature documentary celebrating the film and it’s star, directed by Lisa Downs
• Original soundtrack by Queen & Howard Blake
• 32 page booklet
• 16 page Titan mini book (The Story of Flash Gordon)
• Reproduced booklet of the first strip of original comic books
• Poster of original artwork
• 4 Artcards of various incarnations of Flash film posters across the years
• 1 sew on ‘Flash patch’

All versions of the film released: 10th August, 2020.

Flash Gordon: Limited Edition Steelbook BluRay

For the new 40th Anniversary 4k restoration, Flash Gordon was scanned from the original 35mm negative to produce 4K files. Over 500 hours of manual restoration repaired serious damage that included image instability, scratches and intermittent flicker. The sound was scanned from the original track negative and underwent restoration to improve issues ranging from audio drop-outs throughout the feature and during reel changes, digital clicks and optical distortion. The film was colour graded for theatrical, home entertainment and 4K HDR release, using previous digital releases and 35mm prints as a reference. In line with the Director’s vision and the original 35mm cinema release, VFX work was applied to remove the strings in all scenes where visible. This restoration was approved by Director Mike Hodges in May 2020, and will include the first 4K HDR Dolby Vision master of Flash Gordon.

Flash Gordon: 40th Anniversary Boxset (US Release) BluRay

The Arrow version of Flash Gordon in 4K includes some items that the Studio Canal deluxe edition doesn’t, it looks like the extras on the 4K disc itself and the Blu-ray Bonus disc will be the same. BUT… you don’t get the film in Blu-ray, you don’t get the soundtrack CD, and the copy of Life After Flash is basically the documentary only (without the special edition content). Also, some of the additional items are also very different (you don’t get the Titan mini book, the original comic page, the booklet may be different, etc).

All of the special edition content dedicated to the Life After Flash documentary – that’s a special edition in the Arrow set, and basically just movie-only in the Studio Canal set.

It’s also worth noting that the Arrow Limited Edition will cost around $40 in the US, while the Studio Canal version, which retails in the UK for £49.99, costs around $60.00 in America as an import via Amazon. Though in both versions, the Blu-rays are Region A compatible.

The Hammer House of Mystery and Suspense Box Set DVD

Himmel, Scheich Und Wolkenbruch DVD

Extras:

• Behind-the-Scenes Gallery
• Trailer

Not available on Blu-Ray.

The Innocents DVD & BluRay

The Innocents Laserdisc

I, Spy: Vol. 1 DVD

Extras:

• None

ITV 50 Boxset DVD

ITV 60 Boxset DVD

Jason King: The Complete Series Boxset DVD

Episodes:

1. ‘Wanna Buy a Television Series?’
2. ‘A Page Before Dying’,
3. ‘Buried in the Cold Cold Ground’,
4. ‘A Deadly Line in Digits’,
5. ‘Variations On a Theme’,
6. ‘As Easy As A, B, C’,
7. ‘To Russia With Panache’,
8. ‘A Red Red Rose Forever’,
9. ‘All That Glisters: Part 1’,
10. ‘All That Glisters: Part 2’,
11. ‘Flamingos Only Fly On Tuesdays’,
12. ‘Toki’,
13. ‘The Constance Missal’,
14. ‘Uneasy Lies the Head’,
15. ‘Nadine’,
16. ‘A Kiss for a Beautiful Killer’,
17. ‘If It’s Got to Go, It’s Got to Go’,
18. ‘A Thin Band of Air’,
19. ‘It’s Too Bad About Auntie’,
20. ‘The Stones of Venice’,
21. ‘A Royal Flush’,
22. ‘Every Pictures Tells a Story’,
23. ‘Chapter One: The Company I Keep’,
24. ‘Zenia’, ‘An Author in Search of Two Characters’,
25. ‘That Isn’t Me, It’s Somebody Else’.

Extras

• Wanna Watch a Television Series? Chapter Two: Fish out of Water – The last part of our exclusive two-part documentary on Department S and Jason King, narrated by Peter Bowles and featuring contributions from Cyril Frankel, Kate O’Mara and Burt Kwouk
• Extensive episodic image galleries (discs 1-7)
• Textless opening and closing titles and Adcap A suite of Laurie Johnson’s incidental music, with accompanying image gallery
• Archive interview with Peter Wyngarde on Russell Harty’s show in 1973
• PDF material The Crossfire a play from 1967 featuring Peter Wyngarde

Jason King: Deluxe Edition – Extended Edition Boxset DVD

1. A Unique Offer
2. A Page Before Dying (Omu)
3. Buried And Forgotten
4. First, Second And…
5. Who Is In Wied?
6. As Easy As A.B.C. (Omu)
7. Box To Moscow
8. A Red Red Rose Forever (Omu)  
9. All That Glisters… (Part One) (English Subtitles)
10. All That Glisters… (Part Two) (English Subtitles)
11. Flamingos Only Fly On Tuesday
12. Toki (Omu)
13. Das Buch Des Jahre
14. Erdbeeren Und Champagner
15. Nadine (Omu)
16. A Kiss For A Beautiful Killer (Omu)
17. If It’s Got To Go, It’s Got To Go (Omu)
18. A Thin Band Of Air (Omu)
19. It’s Too Bad About Auntie

Jason King: The Complete Series Special Edition Boxset DVD

Extras:

• Audio commentary by series star Peter Wyngarde on “Flamingoes Only Fly On Tuesdays”
• Audio introduction by series star Peter Wyngarde on “Variations On A Theme”
• Audio commentary by Director Roy Ward Baker on “Wanna Buy A Television Series?”
• Audio commentary by Director Cyril Frankel on “An Author In Search of Two Characters”
• “Wanna Watch a Television Series? Chapter Two: Fish out of Water” – documentary on the making pf the series narrated by Peter Bowles and featuring contributions from Cyril Frankel, Kate O’Mara and Burt Kwouk
• Extensive Image Galleries
• Textless opening and closing titles and adcap
• Archive interview with Peter Wyngarde on Russell Harty’s show in 1973
• “The Crossfire” – a play from 1967 featuring Peter Wyngarde

Life After Flash DVD & BluRay

Life After Flash is a feature documentary that explores the life of Sam J Jones since his iconic performance as ‘Flash Gordon’ in the 1980 classic of the same name, and the aftermath of the young stars’ clash with one of Hollywood’s biggest legends, producer Dino De Laurentiis. 

Life After Flash is an inspiring and moving feature documentary that celebrates what makes that Mike Hodges enduring classic so iconic with audiences to this day, and looks at the real man behind the heroic mask: his successes, his battles, and his ultimate struggle for redemption.

The Lucy Show: Lucy in London DVD

Extras:

• Lucy in London
• Lucy in London Reviewed
• Clip from 1967 Emmy Awards
• Clip from 1966 Affiliates Presentation
• Clip from Victor Borge Comedy Theatre
• 25 Years of Savings Bonds
• Bloopers
• Rare Promos
• Vintage openings and closings
• Guest cast biographies
• Production Notes
• Photo Galleries

The Man In Room 17: Series 2 DVD

Extras:

• None

Night of the Eagle DVD & BluRay

Extras (DVD & BluRay)

• Burn Witch, Burn: Anna Bogutskaya on Night of the Eagle
• Archive Interview with Peter Wyngarde
• US Theatrical Trailer
• UK Theatrical Trailer
• US Alternate Opening Credits
• Audio Commentary with screenwriter Richard Matheson
• Behind the Scenes stills gallery

Additional extras (BlueRay).

Night of the Eagle DVD

Night of the Eagle/Masque of the Red Death/Zoltan, Hound of Dracula Triple Bill DVD

One Step Beyond DVD

Out Of This World DVD

 Extras:

• Digitally remastered presentation of Little Lost Robot
• Alternative VidFIRE presentation of Little Lost Robot
• Audio commentary with Leonard White and Mark Ward, moderated by actor-comedian Toby Hadoke.
• Cold Equations (Paul Bernard, 1962, audio only): Tom Godwin’s suspenseful tale featuring a very young Jane Asher and the impeccable Peter Wyngarde, with a screenplay by Clive Exton.
• Impostor (Peter Hammond, 1962, audio only): adaptation of a story by Philip K Dick, dramatised by Terry Nation.
• Dumb Martian (1962): downloadable PDF of the script for the episode which heralded the series, adapted from a story by John Wyndham.
• Illustrated booklet with essays by Oliver Wake and Simon Coward, and full credits.

Overseas Press Club Exclusive DVD

The Prisoner DVD & BluRay

The Prisoner: Alternatives and Collectors Items DVD

The Prisoner – The Ultimate Set 

Episode of Interest: ‘Checkmate’

Extras

• A three disc CD original soundtrack and exclusive book by archive television historian Andrew Pixley. Also featured is the DVD of the remake miniseries starring Jim Caviezel and Ian McKellen.
• Special features include: Don t Knock Yourself Out – This exclusive, feature-length documentary is the definitive look at the production of The Prisoner, told by those involved in its creation/three disc CD original soundtrack including Eric Mival’s music bible / Newly restored original edit of Arrival with an optional music-only soundtrack featuring Wilfred Josephs complete and abandoned score / Production Crew audio commentaries on seven episodes / Trailers for all episodes / Archive textless material, including the title sequence with clean themes by Ron Grainer, Wilfred Josephs and Robert Farnon / Commercial Break Bumpers / Behind-the-Scenes footage including much previously unseen / Script and Production Documentation PDFs / Image Galleries with Music Suites / Exclusive book on the making of the series by Andrew Pixley / And much, much more

The Prisoner: 35th Anniversary Special Edition Boxset DVD

Extras

• Main Menu Introduction
• Main Menu Audio & Animation
• Trailer: 4
• Featurette: Alternative Opening Credits
• Featurette: Textless Opening Credits
• Featurette: Textless Closing Credits
• Featurette: Original Production Footage
• Trailer: Series Trailer No. 1
• Biographies-Cast
• Gallery-Photo – Booklet
• Main Menu Introduction
• Menu Audio & Animation
• Trailer: Original Episode
• Trailers
• Featurette: Original Portmeirion Location Footage
• Trailer: Series Trailer No. 2
• Biographies-Cast – Gallery-Photo – Main Menu Introduction + more

Retro Action DVD & BluRay

Episodes of Interest: ‘The Champions: The Invisible Man‘ and ‘Department S : A Small War of Nerves’

Extras:

• None

The Saint: Complete Colour Series Boxset DVD

Extras:

• The Saint – The Complete Colour Episodes – Guide to the Collection. Glossy brochure booklet with disc by disc content guide. Also includes photos; synopsis of each episode, plus cast and production credits.
• The Saint – The Complete Colour Episodes – Viewing Notes. 16-page brochure.
• Roger Moore Publicity Postcard.
• `Vendetta For The Saint` film Poster. Full size reproduction cinema poster.
• ‘The Film Makers’ film Poster.Full-Sized reproduction film poster.
•  Press Book Art Cards. 12″ by 8″ reproductions of Press Book covers relating to the series and the spin-off films.
• Several featurettes, which include interviews with surviving cast and crew.
• The Famous Simon Templar. Featuring interviews with Roger Moore and others.
• The Girls of The Saint. Features contemporary interviews with some of the many glamorous girls in the cast.
• The Story of St1.
• Audio Commentary on `Escape Route` with Roger Moore, Robert Baker and Peter Manley. 

British Cinema Classic B Film Collection: Vol 1 DVD

Sherlock Holmes Boxset DVD

Extras:

• Original 1964 Detective pilot episode The Speckled Band
• All surviving episodes from the 1965 series
• Alternative Spanish audio presentation of The Speckled Band
• Alternative title sequence for The Illustrious Client
• The Abbey Grange episode reconstruction, featuring a newly-filmed sequence of Douglas Wilmer reading the first half of the story, followed by all surviving original footage
• The Bruce-Partington Plans episode reconstruction, using all surviving original footage and original shooting scripts
• Douglas Wilmer…on Television (2012, Simon Harries, 22 mins): the iconic actor discusses his career in British film and television
• Five audio commentaries, including contributions from Douglas Wilmer and celebrated directors Peter Cregeen and Peter Sasdy, all moderated by actor-comedian Toby Hadoke
• Fully illustrated booklet with new essays and full episode credits

Sherlock Holmes: ‘The Three Gables’ DVD

Extras:

• None

Sword of Freedom Complete Series Boxset DVD

Extras:

• Image Gallery
• Merchandise Gallery
• PDF Materials

Tank Malling DVD

The Two Ronnies Christmas Specials Boxset DVD

Extras

•  None

V.I.P. Schaukel: Vol. 2 DVD

Click below for further information on Peter Wyngarde’s work…

There’s little doubting the Peter Wyngarde was a true icon of the Seventies. Who else need only roll up his shirt cuffs to start a fashion?! Here we have an exclusive peep into his wardrobe to see what made him the best dressed man in Britain…

In the summer of 1969 when Barry Gibb received the John Stephens Fashion Award – a carved silver statue of Beau Brummell – for being voted the Best Dressed Man of the Year, he admitted to being an avid viewer of Department S because of Peter Wyngarde. So it seemed appropriate somehow that the following year, amongst much festivity on London’s Carnaby Street, that Peter was presented with the Award for being the Best Dressed Man of 1970.

Below: Peter in a towelling bath robe he bought in Paris

The votes for Peter, which were cast by listeners of Radio Luxembourg and readers of FAB 208 magazine, were far in excess of his nearest rival, singer Cliff Richard and football star, George Best. Once all the votes had been counted, a panel of seven judges were asked to give their views on the top three. They comprised of Rosalie Shann of the now defunct News of the World newspaper; Lesley Ebbetts of the Daily Sketch; Betty Hale, Editor of FAB 208; Leo Abse, M.P.; John Taylor of Weekend and Style Weekly; Don Wardell of Radio Luxembourg; and John Stephen himself. The panel unanimously agreed with the voting figures and added that Peter had consistently shown good taste and imagination in his clothes throughout the year.

A mere mention of Jason King, the confident character played by Peter in the enormously popular Department S and spin-off series, Jason King, was enough to send his many followers into eulogies about him. Most of them associated him with his practice of turning back the cuffs of his shirts – a personal habit which had developed when filming an episode of the original series in Venice, where he’d lost a cuff link.

A glance through his wardrobe assured all that the John Stephens Award had not been won cheaply by the gentleman who described himself as: “Older than Hayley Mills but younger than her father!” Peter’s magnificent range of clothes took up several wardrobes to store, in fact. Flicking through his beautifully tailored suits in black, white and just about every other colour you could name, there was a coat of rare opulence. Bought privately in Hollywood, it had originally been owned by movie idol Rudolph Valentino, and only worn by him on a few occasions before he died in the late 1920’s.

“It’s difficult trying to separate us,” Peter once said of Jason King and himself. “I wear all my own clothes in the series and I plan to wear many more interesting additions when the new series starts filming at the end of the year. And as I’m able to travel so much, I buy clothes everywhere. Having money is a tremendous help in planning a wardrobe and I’ll admit my suits and overcoats have cost me a small fortune to have made. But I’m also a bargain hunter in clothes markets and it doesn’t worry me if a garment is new or not as long as it’s in reasonable condition.”

Peter was never likely to admit it, but he has always been fortunate enough to know exactly what to wear with what. If he hadn’t have known, I’m sure his vast selection of clothes would have lost their impact considerably. For instance, over a simple black evening suit, for his rare visits to the Covent Garden Opera House, he’s add a grey silk Chinese cape on which the high, wide collar and shoulders were heavily embroidered in white. One needs the Wyngarde poise and panache to make a confident entrance in such an ensemble.

Although Peter had bought suede and leather jackets from John Stephen for years, they only met for the first time in Carnaby Street in November of 1969 at a party to celebrate the switching on of the street’s Christmas illuminations. The day after, Peter flew off on a personal appearance tour abroad for the series which had made him the TV Personality of the Year in such places as Australia, Canada, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Norway, Sweden and, well, name just about anywhere that screened Department S! On each trip he managed to buy something to add to his sartorial splendour.

Below: Peter wearing the Chinese belt mentioned above.

From France he bought new towelling bathrobes and, from a clothes market there, an old Thirties black and silver waistcoat. Occasionally Peter would wear a very memorable dark mauve and black patterned shirt made of sheer Damascus silk. This was woven by devout fingers in a Spanish convent near Malaga and while, worn with white trousers, looked quite stunning, it had to be carefully hand washed and treated like gossamer. More than one lady in the Wyngarde harem had been stunned by an immediate refusal when asking if they could borrow it sometimes!

“If clothes matter to you,” said Peter, “they must be treated with respect. I love luxury fabrics such a silk and cashmere, but they cannot be treated like cotton and wool or they’ll collapse under the strain. Men who fill their pockets with bric-a-brac amaze me, as they ruin the shape of their suits and prove they don’t really care much how they look.”

Another of Peter’s habits was having a small buttonhole flap attached to the lapel of any sports jacket he had made. If out on cooler nights, he simply turned up the collar of the jacket and buttoned the flap across. His favourite belt, which blended well with most outfits, was Chinese and cost £30 in 1965 – after a little bartering in an antiques market. It was made of hand-carved medieval chain links in silver, and the oval buckle had a bird of paradise carved across it.

If he was not wearing his towelling robe at home he might pull on a grand Japanese kimono in heavy cream silk which was 150 years old and generously embroidered in white. In one bulging wardrobe was a marvellous pair of cotton trousers which he bought in Hawaii of red, green and white design usually found on deckchairs. They hung next to that famous snakeskin jacket of ‘The Man From X’ fame (see below) , and an ankle length hessian overcoat in beige that had a Prussian collar and a very regal air to it.

In 1970, tie manufacturers thanked Peter profusely for keeping interest in their product, and clothes makers generally were not slow to foresee the vast sales potential any garment could have with the Wyngarde endorsement, as if there was really no rush at all, it was said that Peter actually yawned in 1970 while turning down an offer of £30,000 for a commercial!

Even Jason King couldn’t have done it with more aplomb!

The famous snakeskin jacket Peter wore in the Department S episode, ‘The Man From X’

This full-length beige whipcord double-breasted overcoat is braided in dark brown rough satin, outside ticket pocket and shaped shawl collar.

Below: The coat is cut with a seam all around the middle and braiding in the back.

Double-breasted blazer, with narrow three-buttoned front and outside ticket pocket. Dull silver military buttons in sage green mohair. The matching shirt and tie are in white voile.

A dark grey single-breasted three-piece suit with three buttons and layered-on cuffs. The flair shown here comes from the waist, which is very high. The jacket is much longer at the back than at the front, by one quarter inches. This view shows the flow of the jacket and flair of the cuffs.

The waistcoat is piped with white silk.

Faux Python skin jacket and brown mohair silk trousers. He’s wearing the jacket with a black silk, and an olive suede brass-buckled belt.

Mauve Damascus silk shirt (with black pattern), and an antique silver belt (Ming Dynasty) and white slacks.

Peter is wearing a light weight grey mohair suit, mauve shirt and wide tie, and a silk kerchief of Indian design.

“When I take Yussef for a walk, I put on this pepper-and-salt-tweed suit with waistcoat and watch chain. It is said that these colours indicate restraint – my successes at many a rendezvous often speak differently!” Peter

“If I want to be very casual, I opt for this shirt in fine saffron leather. I’m particularly proud of the trousers that are pleated below the knee: they are much more comfortable when walking than conventional trousers.” Peter

“When I go for a stroll, I wear a brown suit, it is almost the colour of my eyes, I think the cuffs on shirts and suits are particularly practical: They gave more freedom of movement at the table or when moving my hands.” Peter

“When it rains, I wrap myself in this dark cloak. It consists of a square piece of black cloth that I had woven during a holiday in Agadir (Morocco)”. Peter

“If I want to be chic in the evening, I throw this hand-embroidered cape made of pure silk shirt. In general, I find capes more manageable than coats. I had the white silk shirt with the small stand-up collar tailored in Morocco.” Peter

The Best Dressed Man in Britain 1970 & ’71

The trophy, which featured a silver statuette of Beau Brummel, was ‘officially’ called the John Stephens Fashion Award. 

The competition was sponsored by FAB 208 magazine and Radio Luxembourg

The award ceremony took place on the roof of the John Stevens boutique on Carnaby Street in London

The inaugural winner of the trophy was Barry Gibb of the Bee Gee’s. He was present at the ceremony on August 15th, 1970, to hand over the award to Peter.

Radio 1 DJ, ‘Diddy’ David Hamilton acted as MC at the event

Peter won the Award for a second time in 1971. On that occasion it was presented to him by Miss Radio Luxembourg, Ann Chalice.

_________________________

The Daily Mail 1971

‘Here’s What Brings The Beast Out In A Woman’

By Lesley Ebbetts

Ever wonder what it is about a beauty contest that brings a beast out in a man? Well, I can report that I know the feeling. I got it myself while sitting on a panel to judge the Best Dressed Man of the Year. It was my turn to drool and swoon and decide on the most charming and constantly good-looking man – and believe me, it wasn’t easy!

I mean, what exactly is it that a girl looks for in a beauty king? Well, for a start, it’s pure instinct. The really groovy guys only need to sit down in an old chair and your intuition tells you the rest.

The calculating casualness put together with bags of imagination and self-awareness is all that is needed. Mr Peter Wyngarde, in my humble opinion, had all this which made him the certain winner.

His nearest rivals for the John Stephens Fashion Award, were Cliff Richard and George Best, neither of whom have an ounce of his aplomb. After all, it takes something special to start a fashion!

Press Feature ‘The Australian’: May 1972

 

Click below for more about Peter’s fabulous clothes...

Broadcast: Friday, 18th November 1966

Character: Tiberio Magadino

 “Our sick, decadent society today, what has it produced?… Long-haired, self-absorbed effeminates. I’d like to see them all quietly exterminated!”  Tiberio Magadino

The Story

The teaser is set in the Coliseum in Rome, where the action begins immediately with Tony Allard – a journalist, who’s barely able to impart the information he has for his old friend, Simon Templar, before he falls to the ground with a knife in his back.

All Templar was able to take from the brief exchange was something about a girl and ‘The Man Who Liked Lions’. He notices that there’s a lion’s head carved into the handle of the knife; a connection, perhaps? With the assassin already lost in the crowds of tourists and onlookers, Inspector Galba of the Italian Police, is naturally suspicious of Templar, and demands that he hand over his passport to prevent him absconding.

The titles run and the show is off its lurid colours and hands guns, targets, martial arts moves and it’s all a bit James Bond-esque. Okay, so this is the watered-down, made-for-television Bond, and it does well considering but they not be so obvious about it.

It transpires that Galba had been trailing Allard for some time, but is evasive about why – claiming that he’d merely been protecting him. However, we’re given the impression that the Inspector is really interested in the ‘Man Who Liked Lions’ too. Templar asks more questions than they do, showing that he’s more skilled than they at detection. Irritated, Galba warns Templar to, “Do nothing about this incident. You’ll live longer.”

On arriving at Allard’s flat. Templar discovers that it’s been ransacked. His sidekick for the episode is Franco, a taxi driver, and together they manage to fend off the two burglars as they attempt to leave the property. We note Templar’s fighting skills in comparison to Franco’s bungling inadequacy. Nevertheless, it doesn’t prevent him being left unconscious, and the two men making their escape. Once Templar recovers his composure and fixes his hair, he snoops around and finds an invitation to a gallery presentation featuring artist Claudia Molinelli’s work. Naturally, this is the clue required for the next step in the investigation.

At the gallery we meet Claudia herself – a pretty but essentially weak character, and Tiberio Magadino, (Peter Wyngarde), her mentor and sponsor. Tibero is strong and direct and quite possibly has Claudia under his influence. Upon arrival at the gallery Templar, who attempts to pass himself off as Allard, is confronted by Tiberio, who comments on a painting of a Roman soldier – indirectly making a critical appraisal of Templar as an opposite to the brave, strong and masculine warrior. Templar and Claudia talk and he starts to get a feel for her relationship with Allard, in spite her evasiveness. When Templar reveals that Allard has been murdered, Claudia runs from the exhibition, much to the consternation of Tiberio.

Claudia goes to Allard’s flat and locates his note book, which had been hidden in the hem of the curtains. No doubt this is what the two burglars had been searching for. Templar arrives and takes the book from her. He checks inside and finds lists of dates, times and places… plus a reference to ‘The Man Who Liked Lions’. Claudia claims she knows nothing about the contents of the book, saying that the entries were probably in connection to the stories he’d been working on. Templar notes that an appointment with a Senora Zambetti has been pencilled in for the following day, so decides to go along and question the woman – against the better judgment of Claudia. In this scene she reveals herself to be rather fragile but intelligent characte

Claudia returns to her flat, obviously saddened by Allard’s death. Unbeknown to her, Tiberio is waiting for her. It’s obvious that he has some hold over her – like a master, who forces her to explain why she left the gallery in such a hurry. Holding her in his vice like grip, Tiberio demands to know why she’d gone to Allard’s flat. He appears to believe her when she tells him that she’d gone to retrieve love letters she’d exchanged with him, in case they were to fall into the wrong hands. Underneath this exchange is a hint that Tiberio wants more from her than information, but he lets it pass.

At Senora Zambetti’s house Templar discovers that she’d passed away recently – from a broken heart, her niece asserts. It’s emerges that her Uncle, Vincenzo Zambetti, had stolen 80 million lire and had latterly taken his own life. She, however, says that she refuses to believe that he could’ve done such a thing. Another clue is revealed when Templar notices a portrait of Zambetti which had been painted just a few weeks before his death by none other than Claudia Molinelli. Could there be a connection? And where is the money?

Driving from the house, Templar and Franco realise they’re being followed, but manage to lose their tail after a deft manoever. When Templar eventually arrives at a hotel, he finds Roberto Berinin – Zambetti’s accountant, holed up and drinking himself into a stupor. Hearing Templar’s approach, Berinin calls out: “I didn’t tell anyone!”, before jumps through an open window. Templar, however, manages to catch up with him, and uses his powers of persuasion to get Berinni to reveal how he’d been forced into setting up Zambetti by fixing the books. It’s not difficult for Templar to conclude that this ‘Organisation’, to which Claudia is connection, has had something to do with it.

With few other options left open to him, Templar visits the lion enclosure at the zoo for inspiration, where he happens to bump into Tiberio, who is himself admiring the beasts. To Templar’s surprise, Tibario all but admits that he is the elusive ‘Man Who Liked Lions’. It’s then that Templar admits to having Allard’s note book, for which Tiberio offers to pay $50,000. “You must want it pretty badly”, Templar observes. “I do”, admits Tiberio. Templar asks if that’s why he’d had Allard killed. Tiberio flashes a knowing smile, and decides it’s time to leave – realising that Templar is going to be a formidable opponent

In the next scene, we find Tiberio his private sauna having a massage, when his hired hand (who we recognise as Allard’s assassin) enters and reports that he’d lost Templar whilst tailing him. Tiberio, however, already knew where he was and suspects Claudia of telling too many secrets. He intends to confront her that evening

While back at Allard’s flat, Templar receives some interesting information, and announces to Franco that they’re on to something big. At that moment, Inspector Galba arrives to return Templar’s passport and wish him an enjoyable visit to Rome. This change in attitude comes as something of a surprise, given the Officers manner at their first meeting

Outside Galba talks with his partner. He reveals his plan to allow Templar to continue with his investigation in the hope that he’ll eventually succeed in smoking out the elusive ‘Man That Liked Lions’. The police could then pick him up.

At Claudia’s flat, Templar decides to use a more aggressive technique to pry out some answers from her. How did she manage to rise to fame so quickly, and how well did she know Zambetti? Her attempts at eluding his questions fails, so she resorts to threats and warnings; if he keeps prying, she announces, he could end up getting himself killed! Undeterred, Templar begins to quote various dates and locations from Allard’s note book. Claudia insists that she knows nothing of the contents of the book, despite the fact that Templar has already linked them with Tiberio. He then suggests that it was Claudia herself who’d had Allard killed, just as she’d had Zambetti murdered via her links to the ‘Organisation’. In a moment of appalling sexism, Templar threatens to place a few “well deserved” whack s on her delectable posterior unless she tells him what he wants to know. No doubt wishing to avoid such a humiliation, Claudia pulls a gun on him and demands he hands over Allard’s book. But this is The Saint, and as one might expect, he easily disarms her, and drags her off to confront Tiberio.

It’s now abundantly clear that Tebirio Magadino is the ‘Man Who Liked Lions’, and Templar it’s becoming clearer how all the pieces of this intricate jig-saw will eventually fit together. But he requires evidence, not speculation. Templar and Claudia are deposited at Tibario’s home by Franco, where they discover a fancy dress party taking place with an ancient Roman theme. Naturally, the host request that Templar don a suitable garment and while he changes, Tiberio expresses his displeasure with Claudia

Templar eventually appears in his Roman Centurion costume and checks the microphone he has attached to his watch, which is linked to a recorder in Franco’s taxi. As Tiberio presides over a party that is quickly descending into an orgy, Claudia is instructed to mingle with the guests, which prompts Templar to quip: “It looks like they’re mingling already!

Tiberio comments that he greatly admires the lifestyle of the Ancient Romans, and insinuates that Templar is a long-haired effeminate in comparison. Amid the insults, Tiberio slips a drug into Templar’s drink, as his guest is treated to a bout of Greco-Roman wrestling. Templar confronts Tebirio with the evidence he’s so far acquired; the dates and places in Allard’s note book that coincide neatly with the deaths of prominent individuals and businessmen. He adds that, on each and every occasion Tiberio had been in the vicinity on the day of each of the murders. The last of these coincided with the death of Vincenzo Zambretti.

While the banter between Templar and Tiberio continues, Claudia sneaks from the party to call the police, only to be apprehended by one of Tibero’s men

As the wrestling concludes, Tiberio decides it’s time to confess. He tells Templar that he’s a contract killer, and quite proud of it. Templar produces a gun and orders Tiberio to come quietly, but not before the drug begins to take effect and Templar collapses

He wakes to find Claudia watching over him. She tells him that Tiberio had been responsible for the death of her father, after sabotaging his plane in Paris. The date of the ‘accident’ had been recorded in Allard’s book. Tiberio had then taken her for his own, and changed her name to Molinelli

A guard arrives, so Templar pretends to be unconscious. His ruse works, and he’s able to knock out the guard, whereupon both he and Claudia make good their escape. Their liberty is short-lived, however, as they’re soon recaptured and brought before Tiberio. When Templar sees the tape recorder, and Allard’s book, he realises that Franco has also been apprehended. The situation turns even more ominous when Tiberio opens a trap door in the floor to reveal a pitiful of hungry lions. For entertainment’s sake, Tibero tosses a dagger on the floor in front of Templar to give him a fighting chance.

In the ensuing fracas, Templar succeeds in getting the upper hand and challenges Tiberio to a duel – Roman style; with a Gladius’. The climax sees Templar and Tiberio struggling in a fight to the death, but in a fit of anger and determination Tiberio manages to overpower his foe – only to fall backwards into his own lion pit

With yet another case solved and the villain defeated, Templar leaves Rome with the girl. And why not

In Retrospect

“Marvelous archetype: the sort of men who raised Rome to the peak of her power.” Tiberio Magadino

Anyone who’s familiar with Peter’s body of work will appreciate the diversity of his talent. In Night of the Eagle, he plays a strong, level-headed college professor. In Sherlock Holmes: The Three Gables, he’s the enigmatic and almost omnipresent Langdale Pike. As Jason King, he was the charming lady-killer we all know and love.

In this episode of The Saint, he plays a character who’s both lethal and more than a little violent. Peter certainly conveys the danger and force driving his character. His passion is in contrast to some of the other actors in the piece, who appear to think that acting is nothing more than just reading one’s lines correctly and looking pretty

One thing that most people immediately recognise about Peter is his screen presence and ease in front of the camera. He plays Tiberio as he needs to be played, but I feel that the script rather let him down in places. For instance, it was rather lame to have Templar ‘bump into’ Tiberio outside the lion enclosure at the zoo. Why would he be there when he has his own lions at home?

Also, if Tiberio is a contract killer, it would’ve been no problem for him to have had Templar removed from the equation instead of allowing him to get to the heart of things so easily.

Roger Moore too is capable but not very impressive – languishing too much in the suave playboy type part for my personal liking, while Suzanne Lloyd as Claudia wouldn’t have been missed if Lady Penelope had hijacked the part! And I dare say she’d have fared a lot better

That said, the episode was entertaining and watchable. Especially if you fancy viewing your favourite actor in Roman garb, showing off his knees…!

Broadcast: Monday, October 24th, 1966 (USA )

Character: Himself

‘Lucy in London’ was a TV special starring American Comedienne, Lucile Ball – broadcast in the United States on October 24th, 1966.

Produced and directed by Steve Binder, it was filmed entirely on location in London and featured some of Britain’s best-known entertainers, including Peter Wyngarde, Anthony Newley, Wilfred Hyde-White and pop band, The Dave Clarke Five

Lucy Carmichael (Lucille Ball), an American secretary, arrives in London to claim a free day trip that she won in a dog food jingle contest. She expects a luxury limousine tour of the city, but instead is greeted by a tour guide named Tony (Anthony Newley) who escorts her in a motorcycle with an open sidecar. Their initial stop, for punting on the River Thames in an inflatable raft, ends disastrously when they collide with a rowing team and sink. ‘Tony’ then escorts Lucy to Carnaby Street, where she models the latest Mod clothing to Phil Spector’s musical number, ‘Lucy in London’.

During a visit to Madame Tussaud’s Waxworks, she’s spooked by the museum curator, played by veteran actor, Wilfred Hyde-White, who she mistakes for a waxwork come to life.

Her next stop is a typically beautiful English stately home, where she makes the acquaintance of a young gardener who looks strangely out of place, trimming the garden privets. It transpires that the green-fingered gentleman is in fact Peter Wyngarde, who tells Lucy that he’s not a member of staff after all, but a Shakespearian actor who will be starring in an open-air production of The Taming of the Shrew in the mansions’ gardens later that evening.

Lucy is enthralled, and confesses that she is a huge fan of the Bard, and that it had been her lifelong ambition to appear in one of his plays. Peter invites her to join him in a scene from the play, which Lucy jumps at.

Right: Peter, Lucille Ball and Director, Steve Binder run through the script.

With Peter in the role of Petruchio, and Lucy as Kate, they both throw themselves into the part. However, Lucy wonders what she’s let herself in for when ‘Petruchio’ shifts up a gear or two – flinging the giddy ‘Shrew’ around the garden, and tanning her behind soundly with his whip.

Having made her escape, Lucy rendezvous with ‘Tony’ who return to the Thames where the twosome are joined by The Dave Clarke Five for a rendition of London Bridge Is Falling Down.

Lucy and ‘Tony’ now arrive at an empty theater, where Tony throws on a tuxedo and sings a medley of songs from the Leslie Bricusse-Anthony Newley show – including Stop the World I Want To Get Off. At the finale of the show with Lucy follows him with a mime act and a song where she shows her appreciation of her London adventures.

‘Lucy in London’ came about as part of Lucille Ball’s 1966-67 contract renewal with CBS. At the time, she was producing and starring in ‘The Lucy Show’ for the network. The agreement gave her the option to star in three specials that would be produced independent of her weekly program. Ball originally planned a production where she would co-star with Mitzi Gaynor as two nuns touring Europe, followed by a French-based production called Lucy in Paris and a Middle Eastern comedy called Lucy in Arabia. None of those projects gained footing, and instead Ball, through her company Desilu Productions, opted to shoot Lucy in London.

The concept for ‘Lucy in London’ was set up in an episode of The Lucy Show called Lucy Flies to London. Much of that episode, which involved Lucy’s unfamiliarity with air travel, was based on an unsold pilot written and shot in 1960.

Laurence Olivier was signed to appear in Lucy in London, but withdrew from the production prior to shooting.

Lucy in London was broadcast on October 24, 1966. Viewership was high for the special (finishing as the most-watched broadcast of the week).

Lucille Ball had personally asked Peter to appear in the Special having seen him play Count Marcellus in ‘Duel of Angels’ at the Helen Hayes Theatre on Broadway in 1960. She was said to have been smitten by him, and was determined to find a way for the two of them to act together.

“Lucy may’ve thought I was kidding, but if she wanted to play this straight she would be a marvellous Kate. Her looks are absolutely right as is her vitality. And she’s a good enough actress to be able to do it”. Peter Wyngarde – Las Vegas Sun, 23 October, 1966