Callan (1967–1972)

David Callan is the top agent/assassin for the Security Service (British counterintelligence), but he is an embittered man who performs his duties "for Queen and country" under duress. This... See full summary »

Creator:

James Mitchell

Stars:

Edward Woodward, Russell Hunter, Lisa Langdon

1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Edward Woodward	...	David Callan (43 episodes, 1967-1972)
Russell Hunter	...	Lonely (41 episodes, 1967-1972)
Lisa Langdon	...	Liz March (31 episodes, 1967-1972)
Anthony Valentine	...	Toby Meres (30 episodes, 1967-1972)
William Squire	...	Hunter #4 (19 episodes, 1970-1972)

Storyline

David Callan is the top agent/assassin for the Security Service (British counterintelligence), but he is an embittered man who performs his duties "for Queen and country" under duress. This bleak, "Spy who Came in from the Cold"-style espionage drama concentrates on the seamy underside of covert operations: assassinations, blackmail and dirty dealing.

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Plot Keywords:

spy | espionage | partially lost tv series | gunman | assassin | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 July 1967 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

ABC Weekend Television, Thames Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (44 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White (1967-1969) Color (1970-1972)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

David Callan's address in the first two series was: 31 Duke William Street, Bayswater; his later address was: 27 Bransken Terrace, Fulham. Lonely lived at 19 Old Market Street, Shepherds Bush.

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Connections

Referenced in Nearest and Dearest: Compliments of the Season (1970)

User Reviews

One of the all-time great TV series

I think I managed to see the entire series bar a couple of episodes and the story lines were always excellent. Great casting throughout. Alas, I realize how old I have become now when I see how Anthony Valentine has aged - have just watched a 2005 episode of the BBCs "New Tricks" this evening, in which he featured. Sadly don't seem to have seen Edward Woodward in many productions during the years since "Callan".

I only ever saw the "Callan" episodes in black and white - colour TV didn't reach New Zealand until several years after it was available in the USA and Europe, and we couldn't afford a colour set until 1982 - but I wonder whether viewing it in black and white added more gritty realism to the plots, and perhaps if I watched it now remastered in colour, would I find it slightly disappointing? I haven't noticed it around on DVD but if I do, don't think I'll be tempted to buy, as I prefer to remember it still with great enjoyment.