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The Saint

The Saint

19627
DramatKryminałTajemnicaAkcja i Przygoda
Premiera
04 paź 1962
Kraj
Wielka Brytania
Simon Templar to The Saint, przystojny, wyrafinowany, debonair, współczesny Robin Hood, który odzyskuje nielegalnie zdobyte bogactwo i przekazuje je potrzebującym.

About

Quick guide

British crime drama starring Roger Moore as the charismatic detective Simon Templar.

The 1962 TV series follows Simon Templar, a suave and roguish hero who uses his charm and wits to recover stolen wealth and help the disadvantaged. With a blend of mystery, action and social justice, Templar often clashes with the police, especially Inspector Teal, while keeping his own moral code. Episodes balance tight plotting with period style, featuring iconic black‑and‑white and later colour broadcasts, all filmed in studio settings that evoke London’s streets. The series laid the groundwork for a long‑running franchise, including later revivals with different actors. Viewers get a mix of thriller, romance and courtroom drama without overt violence or gratuitous content.

What to know

  • Roger Moore portrays Simon Templar for the series’ entire run.
  • The show starts in black‑and‑white and switches to colour in season five.
  • A white Volvo P1800 is Templar’s signature car throughout the series.
  • Inspector Claud Eustace Teal is the main law‑enforcement foil.
  • Each episode is a self‑contained story, often adapted from Charteris novels.
  • The series blends mystery, crime‑fighting and subtle romance.
  • Episodes were produced on film and shot in Elstree Studios.
  • The series ran for 118 episodes over seven seasons (1962‑1969).

Watch if

If you enjoy classic British detective dramas that mix sharp dialogue, stylish action and a clear sense of justice—think early James Bond meets Sherlock Holmes—then The Saint offers a polished, period‑specific adventure that’s both clever and entertaining.

Skip if

If you prefer modern, high‑tempo thrillers with intense gunplay and graphic violence, or if you’re looking for a slow, character‑driven mystery, this 1960s series may feel dated and less intense.

crime violencedark tonedialogue heavyintense actioninvestigation heavylanguage strongpolitical themesromance elementssuspensefulmature themes
Series Overview
The Saint is a British crime drama that aired from 1962 to 1969. Roger Moore plays the dashing detective Simon Templar, who operates on the edge of the law. The series blends mystery, action and social commentary, with each episode presenting a new case. The production was shot in Elstree Studios and used both black‑and‑white and colour footage.
Main Characters
Simon Templar is the charming, morally ambiguous hero. Inspector Claud Eustace Teal serves as his reluctant nemesis, often pursuing Templar for his unconventional methods. Patricia Holm is Templar’s romantic interest and occasional partner, adding depth to his personal life. Supporting roles include recurring criminals and occasional allies.
Episode Format
Each episode is a self‑contained story, ranging from 47 to 51 minutes. The structure follows a clear narrative arc: introduction, investigation, climax, and resolution. The show adapts both original Charteris stories and original scripts, maintaining a consistent tone of suspense and wit.
Production Notes
Produced by Tempean and Bamore, the series used high‑quality film stock and set designs that evoke London’s streets. The switch from black‑and‑white to colour occurred mid‑run, expanding visual appeal. The production maintained a fast pace and sharp dialogue throughout its run.
Car & Technology
Simon Templar’s iconic vehicle is a white Volvo P1800, a choice that adds modernity and style. The car’s sleek lines contrast with the period setting, making it a visual trademark. It appears in many episodes, symbolizing Templar’s mobility and independence.
Themes & Tone
The series explores justice, morality, and social inequality. Templar’s methods, while sometimes illegal, are justified by a desire to help the disadvantaged. The tone balances light-hearted banter with serious crime‑fighting, creating an engaging atmosphere.
Legacy & Availability
The Saint influenced later crime dramas and led to several revivals featuring different actors. Episodes are available on DVD as part of complete series collections, and streaming platforms occasionally offer the series. Its enduring popularity attests to its timeless storytelling.

FAQ

23 Q&A
Who is the main character in The Saint?
The series centers on Simon Templar, a clever detective who fights crime while following his own moral code. He is portrayed by Roger Moore throughout the original run.
Which actor played Simon Templar in the original series?
Roger Moore was the sole actor to portray Simon Templar from 1962 to 1969. His performance is often cited as the most iconic.
How many episodes were produced?
The original series produced 118 episodes, split across seven seasons, with 71 in black‑and‑white and 47 in colour.
Where was the series filmed?
All episodes were filmed in studio sets at Associated British Elstree Studios, with some location shoots in London and other parts of the UK.
When did the series switch to colour?
Season five, which began in 1966, was the first to be produced in colour, while earlier seasons remained black‑and‑white.
What kind of car does Simon Templar drive?
He drives a white Volvo P1800, a distinctive vehicle that becomes a trademark of the character.
Who is the main antagonist?
Chief Inspector Claud Eustace Teal is Templar’s primary foil, often pursuing him for breaking the law despite his help to the police.
Are the episodes based on novels?
Early episodes adapted specific Charteris novels or short stories, while later episodes featured original scripts written for television.
Is there a romantic storyline?
Yes, Patricia Holm appears as Templar’s love interest and occasional partner, providing a personal dimension to the series.
Are the episodes available on DVD?
The complete series has been released on DVD, often in multi‑disc sets, and can be purchased through major retailers.
Is The Saint still aired on TV?
Occasional repeats occur on classic TV channels, but it is not regularly scheduled on mainstream networks.
What is the tone of the series?
The show balances witty dialogue and suspense with a morally driven hero, creating a stylish yet grounded detective drama.
Does the series contain graphic violence?
Violence is present but restrained; the show focuses more on clever plot twists and less on graphic gore.
Are there any notable guest stars?
Many well‑known British actors guest‑stared over the run, including Peter Sellers, Julie Christie, and Michael Caine in cameo roles.
Does the series include political themes?
Some episodes touch on contemporary social and political issues, such as corruption and civil rights, though these are handled indirectly.
Was the series adapted into a film?
Two episodes were expanded into feature‑length films, and a 1997 movie starring Val Kilmer re‑imagined the character for a modern audience.
How does The Saint differ from later revivals?
Later revivals with Ian Ogilvy or Simon Dutton updated the setting and tone, but the core concept of a morally ambiguous hero remained.
What is the relationship between Templar and the police?
Templar often works unofficially with police, but his methods frequently conflict with official law‑enforcement protocols.
Is the series suitable for younger viewers?
While it contains mature themes and mild violence, the series is generally considered appropriate for older teens and adults.
What kind of music accompanies the show?
Theme music by Edwin Astley sets a sophisticated tone, with variations between black‑and‑white and colour episodes.
Does the series have a consistent format?
Each episode follows a self‑contained mystery structure, starting with a case, followed by investigation, confrontation and resolution.
Are the episodes fast‑paced?
Yes, the series maintains a brisk pace, often delivering twists and action sequences within the 50‑minute runtime.
Can I stream the series online?
Some platforms offer the series for streaming, but availability varies by region and licensing agreements.

Aktorzy

Roger Moore
Roger Moore
Simon Templar