Review of Persuaders!, The: Volume 5

Introduction

Of all the Lew Grade series, this one and Jason King (come on Carlton, where`s the rest of that series?) are my personal favourites. Legend tells that Roger Moore was approaching the end of his "Saint" contract with Lew Grade when he was summoned to Lew`s office and offered "The Persuaders" as his next series. Roger wasn`t too sure about doing another tv series, but then Lew told him he`d already sold the show around the world on Roger`s name and if he wouldn`t do it for him, would he do it for his country? Roger signed a five-year contract for the show but was out of it and available to sign up as James Bond twelve months later because the show was cancelled in the US after being scheduled against Mission Impossible.

Roger Moore turns in his usual light, affable performance as Lord Brett Sinclair in four episodes from the tail end (24 produced) of the series. Oddly, these and the six final episodes are the best of the run and include all the classic moments from this series. He is partnered in magnificent style by Tony Curtis as millionaire Danny Wilde and the two enjoy a double-act where neither genuinely gets the upper hand.

The four episodes on this disc are genuine highlights of the series, including "The Man In The Middle" which introduces Terry-Thomas as a distant relation of Brett`s and exposes a double-agent in British Intelligence; "Element Of Risk" which includes Thunderbirds stalwarts Shane Rimmer and David Healy in a bullion robbery adventure; "A Home Of One`s Own" - the classic story where Danny buys a wrecked cottage in the middle of nowhere and attracts the unfriendly attentions of the locals, featuring Hannah Gordon and John Ronane. Finally there`s "Nuisance Value" where Danny becomes involved in a fake kidnap of a criminal`s daughter and is held to account. That episode features the late Ralph Bates.

Video

As with all Carlton`s Spies and Private Eyes releases, picture quality is excellent for material from the 1960`s and 1970`s. There is a little wear and tear but in comparison with recent outings on cable and satellite platforms these are in beautiful condition. Colours are bright and well-saturated but not overpowering, contrast is good and digital artefacts are minimal.

Audio

As ever, only Mono.

Features

Unfortunately only English HOH subtitles and a stills gallery after earlier releases included trailers and marketing materials.

Conclusion

The final ten episodes of this series are the best of the run, hitting the nail on the head with their comedy-adventure mixture. Had these episodes gone out earlier in the schedule, the fortunes of the series might have been better. The four episodes on this disc are among the best and if I had to put a name to the signature episode of the series I`d say it was "A Home Of One`s Own". With regards the fortunes of the series on DVD, I can only hope that Carlton will release the final six episodes as soon as possible.