The Persuaders!

The Persuaders! is a British action-adventure television series produced by ITC Entertainment that aired on the ITV network from 1971 to 1972. The series stars Roger Moore as the sophisticated English aristocrat Lord Brett Sinclair and Tony Curtis as the self-made American millionaire Danny Wilde, who are reluctantly paired to solve crimes. Created by Robert S. Baker, the show was a high-budget attempt to capture the international market, blending glamorous locations, witty banter, and stylish action.

Overview

The series centers on the unlikely partnership between two wealthy playboys from contrasting backgrounds. Lord Brett Sinclair is a cultured peer educated at Harrow School and Oxford University, with a distinguished military record in the British Army. Danny Wilde is a brash, street-smart Brooklyn native who built a fortune in the oil industry after a tough upbringing. Thrown together by a retired judge named Fulton, they are coerced into using their resources and skills to assist in various international intrigues. The narrative dynamic is heavily influenced by the buddy film genre, relying on the chemistry and culture clash between its two leads as they traverse locales like the French Riviera, Monte Carlo, and London.

Production

The series was conceived by producer Robert S. Baker and developed with Lew Grade's ITC Entertainment, known for series like The Saint and Department S. With a then-astronomical budget reported at nearly £100,000 per episode, it was one of the most expensive British television productions of its era. Filming took place extensively across Europe, including at the Studios de Boulogne in Paris and on location in Italy, Spain, and Austria. Ken Thorne composed the iconic theme music, while the title sequence, featuring animated pop art, was created by Robert Brownjohn. The show marked Roger Moore's return to television following his long run on The Saint and preceded his tenure as James Bond.

Episodes

All 24 episodes were broadcast during a single season. Notable installments include the feature-length pilot "Overture," which establishes the duo's meeting and first mission involving a kidnapped NATO scientist. Other episodes feature guest stars such as Joan Collins, Peter Bowles, and Isabel Dean. Stories often involve plots centered on espionage, art theft, corporate sabotage, and political assassination, reflecting popular genres of the early 1970s. The series finale, "The Gold Napoleon," involves a complex plot regarding counterfeit currency and a sunken treasure, culminating in a confrontation aboard a luxury yacht.

Reception

Initial critical reception was mixed, with some reviewers finding the premise contrived but praising the lead actors' charm and the production's sheer style. The series performed solidly in the United Kingdom but failed to achieve the expected breakthrough in the crucial American market, partly due to scheduling issues on the ABC network. Despite this, it developed a strong cult following across Europe, particularly in France and Germany, where it consistently garnered high ratings. The chemistry between Roger Moore and Tony Curtis was widely acknowledged as the show's greatest asset, with their off-screen friendship well-documented in the press.

Legacy

Though short-lived, the series has endured as a quintessential example of 1970s television glamour and the international co-production trend. It significantly bolstered Roger Moore's suave screen persona, directly leading to his casting as James Bond in Live and Let Die. The show is frequently referenced in discussions of classic British television and the buddy action genre. It has been released on DVD in multiple territories and enjoys periodic reruns on channels like ITV4 and German broadcasters, maintaining its status as a stylish period piece. The iconic Aston Martin DBS driven by Lord Brett Sinclair and the Ferrari Dino used by Danny Wilde remain celebrated by automotive and television historians alike.

Category:1971 British television series debuts Category:1972 British television series endings Category:ITC Entertainment television series