Jack of All Trades (2000– )

Jack Stiles, an American spy stationed on a South Pacific island in the early 19th century, works against Napoleon's colonizing efforts.

Creator:

Eric Morris

Stars:

Bruce Campbell, Angela Marie Dotchin, Stuart Devenie

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Bruce Campbell	...	Daring Dragoon (22 episodes, 2000)
Angela Marie Dotchin	...	Mrs. Emilia Smythe Rothschild (22 episodes, 2000)
Stuart Devenie	...	Governor Croque (22 episodes, 2000)
Stephen Papps	...	Captain Brogard (22 episodes, 2000)
Shemp Wooley	...	Voice of Jean-Claude (13 episodes, 2000)

Storyline

American spy/adventurer Jack Stiles is sent by Thomas Jefferson to the tiny South Pacific island of Polau Polau to work with British spy Emilia Rothschild to stop the advances of the French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte in his bid for world conquest.

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Plot Keywords:

napoleon | spy | british | emperor | napoleon bonaparte | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Action | Comedy | Fantasy

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Details

Country:

USA New Zealand

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 January 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

El rey de los tramposos

Filming Locations:

Auckland, New Zealand

Company Credits

Production Co:

Renaissance Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (22 episodes)

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jack's horse is named "Nutcracker," an oblique reference to his method of boarding - jumping onto the saddle from great heights.

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Quotes

Thomas Jefferson: Jack, if you don't keep your hands off my niece, I'll have George Washington cut off your cherry tree.
Jack Stiles: [thinking] Good thing I don't have a cherry tree!

User Reviews

Damn right, we all should've known Jack!

A hilarious spoof/action series about 19th century America that probably was too historic for most audiences. This was one of the most entertaining comedies on TV at the time, one thankfully without a laugh track or common sitcom jokes. Modern-day references were thrown in, courtesy of Bruce Campbell's excellent deadpan delivery.

Bruce was very good as Jack Styles, the reluctant American spy who was also the Daring Dragoon, a masked hero who thwarts the French army and Napoleon's advancement. He was teamed up with British spy Emilia, played by the stunning Angela Dotchin. These two had an excellent on-screen chemistry, along the lines of Steed and Mrs. Peel from The Avengers, and David and Maddie from Moonlighting. And the casting of Verne "Mini-Me" Troyer as Napoleon was a funny idea in and of itself.

The action scenes were wild. The comedy was hilarious, with especially subtle digs at the French. The opening theme song was catchy, creative and very musical. My only beef was that every half-hour episode seemed far too rushed, and I was left wanting more. Extremely fun, but should have been on much much longer, and so many were left not knowing Jack.