The Persuaders!: Episode One (Overture)

Back in 1971 when I was at the tender age of five ITV began screening the classic series, "The Persuaders!" It was at this point I was first introduced to Roger Moore who was to become and remain throughout my life my Idol!  Bare in mind that back in those days we only had three television channels and not a great deal to choose from which is why TV back then was so special and memorable.

In Primary school my friend & I playing "The Persuaders!" at break time, he'd be Tony Curtis and, yes, I'd be Roger.  

In my first blog I thought it only fitting to pay tribute to "The Persuaders" by taking a look back at the very first episode entitled, "Overture"

Roger Moore, Debonair and Classy!

Anonymous invitations to a luxurious Cote d'Azure hotel bring a wealthy American and an aristocratic Englishman together - tricked into teaming-up for what is to be a new and challenging career of adventure and danger.

Danny Wilde (Tony Curtis) and Brett Sinclair (Roger Moore) provide a striking contrast. Danny is a rough diamond, self-polished - a man who has emerged from a tough New York slum background, now moves in high society, has made and lost several fortunes and never has to worry about being able to make another one if necessary. Brett, on the other hand, is a real live Lord from a long line of aristocrats, has the languish and polished perfection of his class and is very much a member of the caviar and champagne set.  Nevertheless, they have a lot in common. Both are handsome and highly personable, and both are magnetic to beautiful women.  Their meeting is unexpected, but planned. Each receives an anonymous invitation to a luxurious Cote d'Azure hotel. Their first encounters are skilfully manipulated, climaxing in a good-humoured but none-the-less vigourous fight which almost reduces the hotel restaurant to rubble.

And all this because of a Creole Scream?

Facing the prospect of imprisonment they find themselves at the mercy of their mysterious host, a former Judge named Fulton ( Lawrence Naismith) who berates them for being playboys but says he can help them.  As an active Judge he had applied justice according to the law which meant that many criminals had escaped!  In retirement he has resolved to correct the balance between law and order and Brett and Danny are his instruments for righting legal wrongs!  Prison is their only alternative to complying with his wishes, so they comply.  Their first task is to check out a lovely brunette by the name of Maria Lorenzo (Imogen Hassal) who can be identified by a clothes covered birthmark.

Roger Moore & Tony Curtis - A class act

This is easier said than done.  Judge Fulton has set a trap to test them.  They are attacked by a couple of thugs and shot at.  The pair do manage to identify Maria and discover - as Judge Fulton already knows that she is the Sister of a crime Syndicate boss said to have been shot two years previously.  The usual battle for power following a top Hood's death did not materialise, why not?

Danny & Brett discover that Maria really does believe her Brother is dead and that she has no idea what his business was.  Maria is equally as staggered to discover that her Brother is still alive and is the most wanted man in the Mediterranean!  Danny & Brett as well as Judge Fulton & Maria are now in real peril!