Man in a Suitcase (1967–1968) User Reviews

Thrills with McGill

[Lejink · 8/10 · 21 February 2015]

The most realistic and gritty of all the 1960's ITC thriller series and one of the best. If The Saint did it with suavity, The Champions with super-powers, Jason King and his Department S colleagues with camp panache and Randall and Hopkirk with supernatural powers, McGill, a CIA outcast trying to make a living as a private eye in mid-60's England, just did it. With no fuss or flashiness, Richard Bradford's anti-hero and his "have gun will travel" policy took him into adventures more believable and down to earth than those of his stable-mates.

In this pilot episode for example, McGill gets waylaid by a deposed white African leader who wants him to reveal how back in his CIA days he assisted with that country's revolution with the ultimate aim of deposing the present government and re-establishing white government over the locals. Given that the British government of the time was having well-publicised disputes with former colonies in the African continent, there's a strong whiff of topicality about the narrative, only bolstered further by the use of forced interrogation techniques redolent of "The Manchurian Candidate" and "The Ipcress Files" to name but two. It's pretty obvious to say also that both these themes are still very much in the news today.

The silver-haired Bradford is excellent as the laconic, friendless, endlessly cynical McGill. This episode was crisply directed by celebrated Ealing director Charles Crichton (later to direct "A Fish Called Wanda"). Yes, you will see various guest stars from the supporting cast of most of the afore-mentioned shows not to mention sets, cars and now and again variations on the same story too. Indeed McGill's anti-Establishment stance is not too far away from the daddy of all 60's TV rebels, Patrick McGoohan's "The Prisoner".

"Man In A Suitcase" (which incidentally boasts another great Ron Grainer theme) may not have aimed quite as high as McGoohan's tormented odyssey but this was solid entertainment and very good quality stuff of its kind, one of the best adventure series of the 60's I'd say.

Mr Cool

[screenman · 8/10 · 9 November 2008]

I have to agree with the other punters here. Richard Bradford had the part of McGill to perfection. Sallow, understated, and with a cynical edge; he was a man made weary by human fallibility and weakness, yet doomed to make a living from it nonetheless. His hair seemed prematurely grey for his age, and its curiously coiffured mop looked suspiciously like a toupee. Though I'm sure it was genuine.

Often he mediated between victims and victimisers, using his cunning and thinly-veiled contempt to get the best deal he could, when as often as not he got a beating instead - and a very realistic one at that.

He lived in a suitcase, was available for hire anywhere anytime. He charged a standard rate no matter what; I believe it was $200 dollars a day plus expenses, which many baulked at but they could take it or leave it. Inevitably he made girlfriends and abandoned them just as readily.

Each episode was gritty, terse, and usually had an unexpected turn. And as they were mostly set in London, rather at variance to his nationality, they were an excellent window on swinging '60's style and attitude.

Streets ahead in credibility than any equivalent like 'The Saint', I'm absolutely amazed that Bradford didn't command a greater screen presence. Rather like Ed Bishop; he had all the right ingredients of good looks, acting skill, and charisma in spades, yet we hardly ever saw him. The new James Bond seems to have just caught up.

There was a very catchy jazz theme music as well, like that of The Avengers' or 'The Prisoner'.

I hope the DVD's are as good as I remember the programmes to be. Highly recommended if so.

Richard Bradford/McGill - top man, top hero!

[highrickman · 10/10 · 29 April 2007]

It never ceases to amaze me how a quality series like this has been neglected in favour of lesser and more dated ITC shows of that genre. Getting Texan Richard Bradford in the title role was a master stroke! His interpretation of the hero of the piece was spot on, making McGill 'human'. He wasn't ruthless, but he was tough, he had integrity and was loyal to past associates - even if they didn't always mirror the same courtesy to him. When he occasionally let down his guard and gave us an insight into why he was the way he was, the characterisation became even more intriguing, and to use Richard Bradford's terminology, 'made him real'. I love this series and I'm forever grateful to Mr Bradford for making such an effort to get his performance just right. I think its a fine tribute to his dedication for his craft that the work he did on this production continues to excite people all these years later - can't think of a greater legacy for any actor!

McGill .... the best ITC hero !

[JoshsDad · 5 August 2005]

Richard Bradford in the 60s was the Steve McQueen of TV, laced with a healthy dose of Marlon Brando. It's a real pity we only got to see him in one series of this excellent series before he disappeared into limbo land for nearly 20yrs, re-emerging to appear in films like 'The Untouchables' and the under-rated 'Mean Season'. Bradford's performance as McGill carries this series from start to finish and is the reason it is the least dated of the ITC stable. McGill is a real person ... vulnerable, prone to mistakes but never giving less than 100 per cent for the right cause. No super heroic 'Champion' - like exploits for him. The stories vary in quality but Bradford is the core to all of them and his on screen persona carries them off with credibility intact. It is good to see that an excellent 8 disc DVD set (inc extras) is available worldwide with a UK edition coming in August 2005. Dip deep into your pockets (the distribution companies know the value of this series and have raised the price considerably) and enjoy the best PI series ever made.

Born Under A Bad Sign

[pantagruella · 10/10 · 29 December 2009]

Man in a Suitcase is a gem of a series. One series is all you get. Only thirty episodes. You will be wishing that somehow it had lasted longer. There can never be enough praise for the actor or the character he created. He gave it all he could, all he had, shackled by the constraints of an unprepared and inflexible British studio that did not know what they were dealing with. One feature is that McGill himself is so watchable in all his small actions and so few words. He is the guy who can make boredom look interesting. The recent DVD box set has an interview with Richard Bradford that is illuminating, especially to the fight scenes. I also recommend the GZR track, Man In A Suitcase, the Man in a Suitcase isn't like me and you. You can also hear plenty of that strange jazz music that often passed for the Swinging 60s in TV shows of the time.

Cool, cool, cool

[vic-lelliott · 10/10 · 20 December 2007]

McGill has to be the coolest man on the planet. I love the way he takes a beating and looks like it was real and his Hillman is a car of beauty. Fantastic sixties feel to the series and he wears suits as sharp as a knife.

After watching every single episode, the high standard is maintained throughout. I think this is because it was shot over a short period with strong casts and it is really interesting to see British actors at all sorts of stages in their careers.

I think a lot of the tension in the series is to do with McGill being an American in England. He brings a breath of fresh air to the stilted English society.

My names McGill

[jamescallumburton · 10/10 · 22 January 2012]

Richard Bradford stars as ex-CIA agent McGill now working as a private eye based in London. There are not words to express simply how good this show is , the character is brilliantly complex and this gives the show an enhanced realistic feel to it. ITC action shows were always superior to the USA's action shows like Hawaii-five O , Kojak and S.W.A.T due to the fact all the characters were unique and all were played brilliantly by their lead actors. These shows included The Saint , Jason King , The Persuaders and The Baron. The only trouble with these shows was that all the characters despite their originality had one flaw and that was there simplicity . To a certain degree this was what also made them excellent characters but often left them too in control of events during the shows . Man In A Suitcase however makes McGill a cynical , hard boiled and yet sympathetic person who wrestles with the anger he feels inside for being betrayed by life and his own country. Often the episodes have bitter sweet endings unlike the typical "good guy always makes things great" ending. The episodes are all exciting and original including well written scripts that are rare to find in a TV series. This is partly due to Richard Bradford's development to the character. Man In A Suitcase is simply an amazing action show , possibly the best you'll ever see , if you are a fan of ITC watch it ... every episode ! if you just like crime and investigator shows this show is still the best , check it out.

Have Suitcase, Will Travel

[strong-122-478885 · 6/10 · 21 March 2017]

This somewhat intense, action-oriented, British TV-Drama from the late-1960s was actually quite intriguing and entertaining, for the most part.

Youthful, American actor, Richard Bradford plays the "Man In a Suitcase" character (aka. "Mac" McGill) who's a disgraced, former US intelligence agent now out on his own in the P.I. business.

Setting up operations in London (and travelling all over Europe) - McGill is the dude who takes on the super-tough assignments that no one else can handle, tracking down the people that no one else can find.

*Trivia note* - This TV series was inexplicably cancelled after just one season.

"You crazy idiots...the name's McGill!"

[ShadeGrenade · 10/10 · 8 September 2006]

When Patrick McGoohan abruptly left 'Danger Man' in 1966, the entire production team split in half - David Tomblin, George Markstein, and Don Chaffey followed him to Portmeirion to create the bizarre cult classic 'The Prisoner', while Sidney Cole, Barry Delmaine and John Glen set up a new show. Originally titled 'McGill', it was created by Dennis Spooner and Richard Harris, neither of whom had any further involvement.

'Man In A Suitcase' was an unusual series from the I.T.C. stable, insofar that it had a hero who wasn't respected or admired, simply misunderstood. McGill had been a top U.S. agent who'd been sacked for his part in a spy scandal for which he was blameless, and had become a private eye based in London and Europe.

Richard Bradford made 'McGill' harder than the heroes generally found on television at that time ( he chain smoked for one thing ) while the scripts were of a high standard, particularly 'The Whisper', 'Variation On A Million Bucks', 'Dead Man's Shoes', 'Day Of Execution', and 'Web With Four Spiders'. The guest-stars included John Gregson, Colin Blakely ( twice ), Edward Fox, Simon Williams, Rodney Bewes, Stuart Damon, Judy Geeson, Jacqueline Pearce, Patrick Cargill and Darren Nesbitt.

It is rumoured that some scripts were left overs from 'Danger Man'. 'The Boston Square' and 'Night Flight To Andorra' look as though they could have fitted into that series, while 'The Bridge' is more like an episode of A.B.C.'s 'The Human Jungle'. 'Jigsaw Man' was the only 'Suitcase' adventure to play for laughs.

Unlike the bloodless fights seen in 'The Saint', 'Suitcase' actually showed McGill getting hurt and, in a couple of instances, beaten senseless. By depicting the world of espionage in a realistic light, the show was slightly ahead of its time. It was a '70's show made in the '60's. Ron Grainer's theme tune is one of his best too!

Of all the I.T.C. action shows made in the mid-to-late '60's, 'Man In a Suitcase' was the most deserving of a second series.

McGill, I hope he's settled down now 🙂🙂

[patrickjpatton · 10/10 · 23 December 2020]

Quite simply the best series from the Lew Grade stable...bar none. Only "Dangerman/Secret Agent " comes close. Bradford pulled everybody involved on this series by the scruff of their necks and turned a "run of the mill" action series into a timeless masterpiece. By all accounts he was difficult to work with but so be it. The show probably would not have worked so well if he hadn't "owned"the character. Of course ,great writing from the likes of Stanley Greenberg and a lot of simple street location work as well add to the sheen of professionalism on this series.To any readers under 50, watch this series.You will be surprised and amazed at how this show is STILL at the top of it's game. Sadly there is only one series but there again, one is enough.

The most under-rated series of the sixties

[harunmushod · 21 August 2001]

Man in a suitcase follows the exploits of an American in London and Europe after her get kicked out of the CIA. I first came across this show on a day time TV run years ago and watched it expecting something cheesy. I was very pleasantly proved wrong and having been trying to buy or tape as many episodes as I could get my hand on ever since.

Although produced by Lew Grade's ITC company, it shares little in common with stablemates such as "Champions", "DangerMan" or even "The Prisoner". What made it different was the quality of the plots, the acting (especially Richard Bradford's)and the way it managed to combine elements of glamour and gritty realism...oh, and the title music (although all ITC shows had good title music and sequences).

An excellent series.

McGill - Best Ever TV Character and Series

[cornwallhood · 10/10 · 7 November 2019]

Richard Bradford is just perfect as the ex American Intelligence agent, falsely accused of allowing an agent to defect.. 30 episodes of cool 1960s life.. the series works best when he has the London background episodes.. although he is often seen in Europe (2 episodes in Africa).. A complex character who doesn't always win .. I should also mention the outstanding music that accompanies the series .. My personal top 3 episodes: The sitting pigeon / Day of execution / The bridge .... McGill is sooo cool, how he dresses, walks, talks, a fantastic performance from Richard Bradford. If you've never seen it.. please give it a watch.. yes, there are some episodes that are weaker but the majority are as good as it gets and RB is superb in them all. I've been a fan since I was a boy and first watched the series in 1967-8.. I've got them all on dvd now... even better with no adverts..!!! I've often wondered why RB didn't become a much bigger star following this... Man in a suitcase, although popular at the time, has been overlooked since.. I don't understand why... it is the No.1 ITC series and deserves to be more widely known...

From the point of view of an Intelligence Veteran.

[jfdvet · 10/10 · 14 October 2022]

In my view, this series is the best dramatization of the covert world. It lays bare the ugly realities of life in the intelligence profession, where there is no glamour, no good or evil, no flag waving patriotism. Just a cynical struggle where rules are just words and loyalties are conditional.

This classic TV show also strikes a deep personal note, for the reason that I myself had similar experiences during my military service. In my own comparison with the character of McGill, my fall from grace was not so dramatic. To put it bluntly, I declined to falsify and cover up certain things. And while what my seniors were asking was illegal and unlawful, for all intents and purposes it meant the end of my military career. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, I nevertheless found that like McGill, my bad reputation proceeded me, and for all intents and purposes I was locked out of any professional career path. The Empire had indeed struck back. And again, like McGill I had to struggle through life working at whatever employment I could find, with no clear future in sight.

Fortunately, I had the miraculous opportunity to meet a fine lady who saved me from my plight and I'm now leading a happy productive meaningful life.

I do hope and pray that McGill shared the same fate.

Amazing production - unrecognised and way ahead of its time

[limaland · 5 December 2005]

Richard Bradford plays this role absolutely on the nail. It sets a standard that can only have been copied in the Prisoner, Callan, the Professionals, The Avengers ..... The list would go on, right through to Bond and Vin Diesel. An understated and genuine creation that has set the scene for years after. Any actor who now wants to play the disenfranchised but preeminent secret agent has to watch this or fail dismally.

The production is carried by Bradford's acting and presence, but it has to be acknowledged, he has the medium of inspired writers who are clearly "under the cosh" to deliver tight, cogent and robust scripts.

Mcgill, and I suspect Bradford as well, would have hated the internet and the modern film industry as a communications medium, given its requirement for many words where one short meaningful statement would do - Ernest Hemingway - you're not forgotten.

One statement to sum it up? - Great intelligent, high integrity production.

Coolest TV hero...ever!

[zippgun · 2 November 2004]

I first saw "Man in a suitcase" in 1967-I loved it then and still do.This is one of the A.T.V."action" series of the 60's,but it differs from the likes of "The Saint" or "The Baron",in the cynical edge to the plots and the vulnerability of the hero.Richard Bradford as "McGill"(no first name!),was simply the coolest TV detective ever.He looked great(in fab "pre hippy era 60's" suits,with narrow lapels and thin ties),was as tough as nails,moody and unpredictable,and acted like Brando playing Peter Gunn-oh,and made smoking a cigarette into an art form.One amazing thing is he didn't always win either,and when he did he might well come out of things half beaten to death,many of the endings of episodes were pretty downbeat.The producers did make one ghastly mistake though-a guy like McGill should never have driven a car as totally uncool as a Hillman Imp!

Best episode for me-"Brainwash".

This show is a strong candidate for the best ever theme tune and titles.

As good as it gets

[e-blowers · 9 July 2003]

Only one actor is listed as a regular cast member and that is Richard Bradford who starred as the man and his suitcase, McGill. That, and his wits, were all that were left to him after the CIA kicked him out to fend for himself. McGill had a rougher ride in this series than any other spy or investigator before or since and, to his credit, Richard Bradford made sure it showed. The effort he put into his characterisation, the generally high level of the supporting cast, writers and crew which backed him up, was well worth it as, over thirty years, later this series is still as fresh as the day it first aired. I am glad I found it, and I can't stop watching it.

Richard Bradford is mesmerising to watch as McGill and throughout the series he is consistently good, never giving less than his best so a lot of the credit for the success of this series must surely go to him. He has made many appearances in films and on t.v. in character roles since which shows his scope as an actor, but I believe his talents deserved better. The star of Man In A Suitcase is surely the one that got away.

McGill's Car

[Martin-Smith-3 · 2 January 2006]

McGill mostly drove a Hillman Imp (green and red), but was so cool that he could do that and not appear bland. I think it's a huge credit to the producers that they chose an Imp for McGill. A flashier car would have detracted from his character a great deal.

My very first car was a 1966 Hillman Imp and I felt really cool in it too.

The other thing I liked about Lew Grade's 1960s TV series is that the main characters - except The Saint - usually drove British cars, which for me made them more real.

According to an interview I saw recently with Johnny Goodman (production manager on The Baron) no British manufacturer would donate a car for Simon Templar - not even Jaguar. Hence that VOLVO P1800, which started moving out of showrooms real fast shortly after its film debut.

Obviously British car manufacturers in the 1960s weren't as clued up about how this kind of product placement could do wonders for their sales figures.

I have recently seen all the episodes of Man in a Suitcase again and I must say that they look as hip today as when I first saw them in 1967 as a boy of ten on black and white TV. In fact - they look even fresher in colour.

There's no doubt that Man in a Suitcase was/is a true classic.

What is wrong with wanting to put yourself into a role to make it realistic ?

[Moviegoround · 26 May 2010]

Man in a suitcase played superbly by Texan actor Richard Bradford was simply the best TV series in the mid 60's, and to-date in general Richard Bradford's big mistake though, was wanting to put a really human side to this character named simply, Mcgill.

Richard Bradford wanted to do his own stunts and he wanted the stunt men to really hit him, he wanted things to be as authentic as possible.

For this reason, he fell out with many stunt men on the Man In A Suitcase Set.

And in my view this is why another series of Man in a Suitcase never materialised, and also because Richard Bradford's name went round, as a trouble maker, because he would not fall in line with the British status quo.

my name is mcgill you stupid idiot

[steve-1241 · 19 July 2005]

Mcgill is a man of the sixties who is on a different case every week. He cannot and will not get too close to the opposite sex because of his travels and his occupation. However, he does run into some old friends along the way and Mcgill always comes out on top. With his cigarette in his mouth and his American accent his mcgill is an anti hero that seems a million miles away from Simon Templar but underneath the rugged exterior he is actually quite similar to the saint. The locations are varied and the standard of the writing and the acting is very good. All in all Mcgill is a man of the sixties and you cannot imagine him ever settling down, he is truly a man in a suitcase.

A Great Show

[cpt-2 · 10 March 1999]

It's one of my all time favorite TV private eye shows. All the stories took place in Europe. One had Donald Sutherland playing a dull witted cockney hoodlum. Lots of great scenery. McGill was always up to his eyeballs in trouble, and kicked out of town in the end.

A brilliant series.

[McGill fan · 12 September 1999]

I love this series because in my opinion, it is one of the best action/adventure series to come out of the ITC stable in the 1960s. Vastly under-rated, the series was in some ways groundbreaking in that the 'hero' of the show did not always come out on top, making it all the more realistic.

Excellent 60s PI series in International locations

[gadfly132 · 22 July 2005]

"Man in a Suitcase" is easily one of the best series from the 60s. McGill, the antihero, played brilliantly by Richard Bradford is a disgraced American Intelligence type who hires out to do complex private eye work.

The writing (and Bradford's acting) was top-notch and the supporting cast was always excellent. It was the first series to be both 'gritty' and 'believable,' in the sense that McGill didn't always win, and if he got cold-cocked, he usually stayed down. :-) Definitely worth a look.

My favorite episode (going on memory here): a 2-parter called "In Pursuit of a Million Bucks." The title says it all.

gadfly132

A cool private eye complete with cigarette

[Dingo-13 · 19 May 2000]

With Bradford solving mysteries with cigarette in hand or mouth in ninety nine percent of scenes, this is a great private eye show. Using a lot of different facial expressions, this is not only an interesting and slightly different detective show but its very watchable as well. It may take a couple of episodes to get into it but its worth it.