The Avengers (1961–1969)

A quirky spy show of the adventures of an eccentricly suave British agent and his predominately female partners.

Creator:

Sydney Newman

Stars:

Patrick Macnee, Diana Rigg, Honor Blackman

Nominated for 4 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 win.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Patrick Macnee	...	John Steed (160 episodes, 1961-1969)

Storyline

John Steed works for British Intelligence and always has a female partner. The problems he finds are always a bit odd, just on the edge of science fiction (Cyborg killers, a city built under a disused coal mine, a gang put together for adrenalin junkies, and a killer who uses a concentrated cold virus to kill his victims by having them sneeze to death). Steed is always the ultimate in culture and grace as he saves the world each week.

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Plot Keywords:

british | agent | partner | mission | spy | 

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Genres:

Action | Comedy | Crime | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 March 1966 (USA)

Also Known As:

Los vengadores

Filming Locations:

Associated British Elstree Studios, Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

ABC Weekend Television, Associated British Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (161 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Nyree Dawn Porter was first choice for Catherine Gale but turned it down.

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Quotes

Emma Peel: Would you like a drink?
John Steed: Intravenously!

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Crazy Credits

American broadcasts of the 1965 season were preceded by an introduction showing Emma Peel and John Steed walking across a giant chessboard as a narrator says: "Extraordinary crimes against the people and the state have to be avenged by agents extraordinary. Two such people are John Steed -- top professional, and his partner, Emma Peel -- talented amateur. Together they are -- The Avengers!"

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Connections

Followed by The New Avengers (1976)

User Reviews

Truly superb!

An absolute masterpiece in British television, The Avengers is a timeless, witty, fantastical series which is as, if not more, popular today than it was more than 40 years ago.

This series has something for everybody - gangsters, diabolical masterminds, glamorous girls, car chases, fights and endless glasses of champagne.

It is interesting to see how the series developed from its humble beginnings in 1961. Playing it straight in the early days it gradually became more and more way-out with wackier and wackier plots and characters. The Cathy Gale and Emma Peel eras are regarded by many to be the high point of the series although there are high spots in virtually every point in the show's history.

Only one episode exists from Series 1 with the mysterious, shadowy Steed being a much more sinister character to Ian Hendry's open Doctor Keel. Then we have much verbal sparring and innuendo between Steed and the delicious Cathy Gale and her kinky boots. Film and eventually colour were introduced with the feline Emma Peel and her high kicks and the show closed the 60s in gaudy, cartoonish style with the naive Tara King and her snazzy Lotus Europa.

This is British television at its best and a true legend in broadcasting. The 1970s version, The New Avengers, has it's own charm in a way but is best regarded as a totally separate entity as this original series was...well...original!