The Odd Man trilogy
Three linked 1960s crime series featuring Chief Inspector Charles Rose.
The Odd Man trilogy is a sequence of three British television crime series produced by Granada Television that aired across the 1960s. The series are linked by the character of Chief Inspector Charles Rose, played by William Mervyn, whose pompous yet gradually genial portrayal became a defining element of the trilogy.
Quick Facts
- Runtime
- 50 minutes
- Series
- 9
- Episodes
- 72
- Creator
- Edward Boyd
- Starring
- Moultrie Kelsall
- William Mervyn
- Keith Barron
- Geoffrey Toone
- Edwin Richfield
- Sarah Lawson
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Network
- ITV
- First aired
- 19 October 1960
Facts from the source article.
The Odd Man
The Odd Man ran for four series, originally following theatrical-agent-cum-detective Steve Gardiner. Geoffrey Toone played Gardiner in the first season, with Edwin Richfield taking over thereafter. Gardiner's encounters with police involved Chief Inspector Gordon (Moultrie Kelsall) in series 1 and 2. From series three, Chief Inspector Charles Rose (William Mervyn) appeared, assisted by Detective Sergeant Macbride (Alan Tilvern) for one season, then Detective Sergeant Swift (Keith Barron) for the final series in 1963.
It's Dark Outside
Rose and Swift were given their own series, It's Dark Outside, which ran for two series in 1964 and 1965 totalling 16 episodes. Barron's character often felt repressed and confused, one step behind Rose's superior approach. Barron left after series 1, replaced by Anthony Ainley as Detective Sergeant Hunter. All eight episodes of the first series survive, but only two of the second series survive; the ten surviving episodes were released on DVD by Network in 2013.
Mr Rose
The final series, Mr Rose, saw Rose retired in Eastbourne, attempting to write his memoirs but drawn into private detection. It ran for three series with 24 episodes. The theme tune was by John Snow, issued as a single cover by Roy Budd on Pye Records in 1967, and another cover by Brian Fahey and his Orchestra on the Studio 2 Stereo label. John Snow's original recording, by the De Wolfe mood music library, is not commercially available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created The Odd Man trilogy?
The Odd Man trilogy was created by Edward Boyd.
Who stars in The Odd Man trilogy?
The Odd Man trilogy stars Moultrie Kelsall, William Mervyn, Keith Barron, Geoffrey Toone, Edwin Richfield and Sarah Lawson.
Which network aired The Odd Man trilogy?
The Odd Man trilogy aired on ITV.
How many episodes of The Odd Man trilogy are there?
The Odd Man trilogy has 72 episodes across 9 seasons.
More in 1960s British Crime Television Series
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