"Spender" (1991) TV series 1991-1993

Creators:

Ian La Frenais
Jimmy Nail
(more)

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | unknown

Release Date:

8 January 1991 (UK)

Genre:

Action | Drama

Plot Keywords:

Police

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Jimmy Nail	...	Freddie Spender (20 episodes, 1991-1993)
Sammy Johnson	...	Kenneth Norman 'Stick' Oakley (20 episodes, 1991-1993)
Denise Welch	...	Frances Spender (16 episodes, 1991-1993)
Lynn Harrison	...	Kate (9 episodes, 1991-1992)

Series Directed by
Roger Bamford		(4 episodes, 1991-1992)
Mary McMurray		(2 episodes, 1991)
Ian Knox		(2 episodes, 1993)
Suri Krishnamma		(2 episodes, 1993)

Series Writing credits
Jimmy Nail		(5 episodes, 1991-1993)
Ian La Frenais		(3 episodes, 1991-1992)
Stan Hey		(2 episodes, 1993)

Series Produced by
Martin McKeand	....	producer (3 episodes, 1991-1992)

Series Original Music by
Tony McAnaney		(20 episodes, 1991-1993)

Series Cinematography by
Nigel Walters		(7 episodes, 1991-1992)

Series Film Editing by
Martin Sharpe		(7 episodes, 1991-1993)
Colin Goudie		(unknown episodes)
Ian Sutherland		(unknown episodes)

Series Production Design by
Kathy Atty		(1 episode, 1991)
Chris Pemsel		(1 episode, 1991)

Series Costume Design by
Dennis Brack		(2 episodes, 1991)

Series Makeup Department
Jules Korshoonoff	....	makeup artist (4 episodes, 1991)

Series Production Management
Roger Gartland	....	production manager (2 episodes, 1991-1992)
George Griffiths	....	production operative supervisor (2 episodes, 1991)

Series Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Nael Abbas	....	first assistant director (2 episodes, 1993)
Julian Hearne	....	second assistant director (unknown episodes)

Series Art Department
Gari Bacon	....	props (6 episodes, 1991)
Alan Jeapes	....	graphic designer (3 episodes, 1991-1992)
Malcolm Rougvie	....	properties buyer (2 episodes, 1991-1992)

Series Sound Department
Gareth Hall	....	sound post-production / post-production sound (6 episodes, 1992)
Francis Buchanan	....	dubbing editor (2 episodes, 1991)
Lee Taylor	....	dubbing mixer (2 episodes, 1991)

Series Visual Effects by
Stuart Brisdon	....	visual effects designer (2 episodes, 1991-1992)
Mickey Edwards	....	visual effects assistant (unknown episodes)

Series Stunts
Stuart St. Paul	....	stunts (3 episodes, 1991)

Series Camera and Electrical Department
Simon Maggs	....	camera operator (6 episodes, 1992)
Graham Banks	....	cinematographer: titles (6 episodes, 1993)
Alfie Williams	....	grip (2 episodes, 1991-1992)

Series Casting Department
Susie Bruffin	....	casting advisor / casting adviser (3 episodes, 1991-1992)

Series Editorial Department
Martin Sharpe	....	supervising editor (7 episodes, 1991-1993)

Series Other crew
Corrina Bonicelli	....	personal assistant / production assistant (6 episodes, 1993)
Peter Miller	....	location manager (4 episodes, 1991)
Helen Greaves	....	script editor (2 episodes, 1991)
Tony Redston	....	production associate (2 episodes, 1991)
Jen Samson	....	script editor (2 episodes, 1991)
Maggie Stevens	....	production assistant (2 episodes, 1991)
Mark Shelley	....	weapons armorer (unknown episodes)
Dianne Twiddy	....	production accountant (unknown episodes)

Production Companies

• British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Distributors

• British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) (original airing)

Runtime:

50 min (20 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Alnwick, Northumberland, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Drama Connections: Auf Wiedersehen, Pet (#1.1)" (2005)

Hard-hitting Gem from the BBC

SPENDER is the kind of gritty, intelligent cop drama that's been missing from North American television screen. The BBC produced series is a positive gem, having run for 3 consecutive seasons, and spawned one film entitled "The French Collection". Starring the excellent and multi-talented Jimmy Nail ("Still Crazy", "Evita"), it has garnered a following in Canada through re-runs on Showcase Television.

The character of Spender is a tough and able cop cleaning up the streets of London with his somewhat unorthodox methods. Following a tragic incident, he's sent home, back to the North-East to his home-town of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, which had taken him 20-odd years to get out of. Now re-united with old friends and haunting ghosts from his untamed past, the loathing he feels for the city and his new assignment drives his character to push the limits, and test the powers that be that govern his jurisdiction. But once we meet Spender's family - divorced wife Frances and his two young daughters - we witness an unexpected dimension to the character: that of a father and protector of his children, who finds it awkward to work his way back into their lives.

Excellent scripts, hard-hitting drama and action accompany a wealth of talent involved in the making of this quality program. Jimmy Nail not only stars, but pens a few of those scripts. Together with his friend Tony McAnaney (who also co-stars as Keith and writes the music for the series) they combine to produce a unique and often haunting musical score which creates just the right kind of atmosphere for the program. And of course, there's the thick and sexy accents which can only come from the North-East.

Spender is definitely worth a try. If the catchy theme doesn't get to you, the high-drama will!