Shoestring 

Lighthearted detective series set in the West Country, about Eddie Shoestring, a radio-phone-in detective

Creators:

Robert Banks Stewart, Richard Harris

Stars:

Trevor Eve, Michael Medwin, Doran Godwin

3 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Trevor Eve	...	Eddie Shoestring 21 episodes, 1979-1980
Michael Medwin	...	Don Satchley 21 episodes, 1979-1980
Doran Godwin	...	Erica Bayliss 21 episodes, 1979-1980
Liz Crowther	...	Sonia 21 episodes, 1979-1980

Storyline

Lighthearted detective series set in the West Country, about Eddie Shoestring, a radio-phone-in detective

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Plot Keywords:

detective | moustache | fictional radio show | radio station owner | receptionist | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 September 1979 (UK)

Also Known As:

Radioetsivä

Filming Locations:

Royal York Crescent, Clifton, Bristol, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min (21 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Robert Holmes was brought in as script editor having previously enjoyed an excellent working relationship with producer Robert Banks Stewart on two Doctor Who serials, when Holmes had been the script editor and Banks Stewart had been commissioned as a writer by him.

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Connections

Featured in Britain's Favourite Detectives (2014)

User Reviews

Excellent- deserves re-visiting

Lasting only for 2 seasons in 1979-80, Shoestring follows the adventures of former computer programmer turned private eye, Eddie shoestring. Following a period in a mental institution after he had a breakdown and smashed up computer equipment, he gets recruited to "radio west" a fictional (at the time) local radio station to be a "private ear". People who need detective services call him up and he attempts to solve the case for them, using the story in his radio show. The show is in my opinion much greater than the sum of its parts- and its all due to the wonderful characterisation of Trevor Eve. He really developed Eddie Shoestring as a likable and flawed character, he deliberately isn't a "super cool" type of P.I. He wears pyjama tops instead of shirts, drives an ageing (even then) orange cortina estate (which he managed to get on his expenses from radio west after his own Hillman hunter was smashed up on a case early on in the series) and as a method of stress relief, makes very accurate caricatures of his adversaries in a little doodle pad he carries with him. when this isn't enough he takes time off to potter around on his boat which is permanently moored on dry land. he has an on-off sexual relationship with his landlady, who as a barrister, provides plenty of legal assistance with her many contacts. He is spontaneous, witty, intelligent and has a ready sense of humour. all this makes the show far superior to its successor, Bergerac- No offence to Mr Nettles, but you just didn't give two hoots about the character of Jim Bergerac, a man totally lacking in any charisma whatsoever. The programme is of its time, but this serves as a superb snapshot of late '70s west country locations, which if you are local, you will enjoy spotting. (weston super mare sea front, Aust ferry terminal at Beachley, the old severn bridge, severn beach, etc etc) Older viewers may recognise Michael Medwin from the 1950's show "the army game" who plays the Radio station boss who always seems to have a problem with Eddie, be it expense claims or legal issues, whilst the delectable Liz Crowther is the friendly,efficient and helpful receptionist who seems to be an invaluable character in the running of the station. This deserves to be released on DVD- its far more popular than people might think, so come on and release it!