Raffles The Complete Collection (1975 1977/Acorn Media DVD Set)
Picture: C
Sound: C+ Extras: C Episodes: B
Along with detectives and spies in popular fiction came
the counterpoint of anti-heroes, including the sophisticated high-society thief. Ernest William Hornung was the brother-in-law
of Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and he too created a very
successful character in A. J. Raffles, a suave thief who has been played by
some of the greatest actors ever, including John Barrymore, Ronald Colman and
David Niven. Anthony Valentine (Callan, The Avengers) is the most successful actor in the role, the first
to play him on TV and terrific in the role.
Now, all of the British shows he did as the character are available in
one DVD set from Acorn called Raffles
The Complete Collection.
In the midst of being one of the most sought-after actors
in the business (TV and feature film), he did a pilot for the series in 1975
called The Amateur Cracksman, which
led to the TV series. Though it only
lasted 12 episodes and one season in 1977, it is an excellent show and its
arrival on DVD is one of this years back catalog highlights.
The episodes (including the pilot) are:
1) The Amateur Cracksman [PILOT SHOW]
2) The First Step
3) A Costume Piece
4) The Spoils Of Sacrilege
5) The Gold Cup
6) The Chest Of Silver
7) The Last Laugh
8) A Trap To Catch A Crack
9) To Catch A Thief
10) A Bad Night
11) Mr. Justice Raffles
12) Home Affairs
13) The Gift Of The Emperor
14) An Old Flame
Philip Mackie wrote the teleplay adaptations from four
published works from 1899 to 1905. These
are well cast and well directed, including some key actors in some shows. The pilot has the debut of Christopher
Strauli as Raffles assistant Bunny Manders, who was also in every episode of
the show. He and Valentine are perfectly
matched and totally convincing. Michael
Barrington and Anthony Dawes also are in the cast. #3 has Brian Glover and Jill Gascoine as
guest stars, while #11 has Charles Dance.
Hornung (who also created Stingaree) created a classic character that
influenced everything from Simon Templar/The Saint, to James Bond, to Adam
Adamant, to Alfred Hitchcock. This
series is an enduring representation of why and is highly recommended.
The 1.33 X 1 image was just about totally shot on analog
professional PAL videotape and like Tom
Baker Dr. Who episodes, was among the earliest
shows that did this (versus shooting some of the footage, usually outdoor
scenes, in 16mm film only happening in a few very brief cases). The result is some good color, some good
shots and some flawed footage throughout, but it holds up well considering its
age. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono is a
little rough on the pilot, but sounds better on the regular episodes. Extras include text on Hornung and production
notes.
- Nicholas Sheffo
