User Reviews

Though a long time fan of this series, I'm sometimes disappointed at the lack of imagination with which Leslie Charteris's novels and stories were adapted and developed, the version of THE MIRACLE TEA PARTY I saw recently being a case in point (see review). On the other hand this is an excellent adaptation of a book originally set in the U.S in wartime. It was no surprise to see it was the work of John Kruse, whose scripts even managed to evoke the warm admiration of the famously hard to please Charteris. It starts with a piece of self mockery, the like of which was often to be found in the books, but rarely on TV, with two characters at the hotel bar espying the Saint and wryly predicting he will be approached by some damsel in distress, seconds before he actually is. Apart from the welcome touches of humour, Kruse has fashioned an intelligent plot that never flags for an instant; you can really never guess what's going to happen next, or who is the villain behind it all, or what is his purpose. It is rare for a plot in a series such as this to be as implicitly critical of big business and capitalism, though both Kruse in HELL DRIVERS and Charteris in some of his 1930s stories had been so before. A strong cast includes Geoffrey Keen in a typically incisive and authoritative performance, Peter Vaughan at his most menacing, as well as the glamorous Justine Lord, who gained a lot of male fans in the 1960s and early 1970s, but then disappeared from the screen. Fun too, to see Michael Robbins of On the Buses fame as a gun-toting thug.

Another of the decent SAINT episodes, no surprise given that the director is Hammer stalwart John Gilling, who would go on to tremendous success with the likes of PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES. This one begins with a jokey bar scene before Simon is called in to assist a young lady caught up in the murky world of industrial espionage. The supporting cast is particularly impressive in this one, with the reliable Geoffrey Keen as the rich businessman, a thoroughly nasty Peter Vaughan as the villain of the piece, and Michael Robbins and Neil McCarthy playing henchmen. You also get a minor role for future UFO actor Ed Bishop.

It is always interesting when an episodic television series shakes up the formula for a story.

Two men at the bar poke fun at the Saint. Like how he always gets approached by a woman in danger.

A few seconds later, Madeline Gray seeks out Simon Templar. Her father is a scientist who has invented a new revolutionary formula for textiles. She thinks both her life and her father's life is in danger.

Templar sends Madeline on her way, thinking the other two men at the bar put her up to it for a gag.

Only they did not. When he catches up with Madeline, she is being attacked by two men.

An American buyer is due to purchase her father's formula for a million dollars. However a British industrialist Hobart Quennel has shown no interest. Maybe someone is trying to sabotage a British deal.

A layered story with several crafty twists. The Saint seems to be in real peril. There is a spoiled brat who initially seems to be a nuisance to Templar.

There is a good cast here from Geoffrey Keen, Peter Vaughan and Michael Robbins.

Annette Andre and Justine Lord. What more needs to be said?

The plot seemingly involves Templar protecting Andre's character through the intrigues involved in a new textile formula. Shades of "Man in the White Suit."

In fact, the real plot concernd attempts of Justine Lord (THE PRISONER: "The Girl Who was Death") trying seduce the Saint. Simon shows more strength of character that I ever had. Andre was also in the village once (THE PRISONER: "It's Your Funeral.")

Also on the strength is Geoffrey Keen ("The Minister" from Moore's Bond movies) and the ubiquitous Peter Vaughn.

Lord and Andre are frequent contributors to "The Saint." Both are always welcome. But while Lord has sparkled in some mundane episodes, Andre's presence usually bodes something special. That's the case here.