1078 replies to this topic

[Bond Bombshell]

I notice that on The Saint In New Orleans' facebook page, Ian states that filming will not now be starting this month. However, he also says that "things change" and that "The Saint is not dead". Meanwhile on The Saint Online, Ian hints that Purefoy should not be criticised and may have been pushed.

So what's going on? Has someone decided that Purefoy is not right for the role, too old, not a big enough name, or too expensive perhaps? Has Purefoy been elbowed in favour of someone else, or is the project teetering on the brink as it scrambles for a replacement?

The ups and downs of this project would make an interesting book in itself.

[Peckinpah1976]

Purely speculation on my part but I suspect there's been a long running 'tug-of-war' between those involved who have a vested interest in the character and want it done right and those with the majority financial interest who want to make something comercially relevant to the current US market - not that the two things are mutually exclusive but I think it's basically the same as what happened with the Kilmer film.

Edited by Peckinpah1976, 13 July 2011 - 09:03 AM.

[scaramunga]

Purely speculation on my part but I suspect there's been a long running 'tug-of-war' between those involved who have a vested interest in the character and want it done right and those with the majority financial interest who want to make something comercially relevant to the current US market - not that the two things are mutually exclusive but I think it's basically the same as what happened with the Kilmer film.

Hopefully there is official word on what will be happening very soon.

[marktmurphy]

Breath remaining unheld.

[Guy Haines]

Can I mention that I'm enjoying the re-runs of the original ITV version of "The Saint" on ITV4? They are usually shown first thing of a morning, and I watch in between breakfast and getting ready to go off to work. Roger Moore remains, for me, the best "Saint", and some of the stories shown are almost like mini Bond films in themselves. I'm thinking of, for example, an episode called "Flight Path", where Templar foils a plot to hijack a Harrier jump jet using a bribed ex-RAF pilot, and "The Ex-King Of Diamonds", which is vaguely reminiscent of both CR and TB.

Another episode shown which might have raised eyebrows at the time it was first released was "The Persistent Patriots", in which Simon Templar prevents the assassination of the white Prime Minister of a British colony in Africa seeking independence. Bear in mind this was released during the period of Rhodesian UDI, and all the political heat that generated. In fact the episode concentrated more on the intended target's private life rather than his politics, but it's obvious to me that this episode was written to tie in with the UDI controversy.

Finally, another "standout" from the ITV4 re-runs - "The House On Dragon Rock". The Saint meets a scientist who has created giant ants. Honest!

(But since I added this post, I've just remembered another Bond like episode - "The Gadget Lovers", which features killer gadgets, and a Q Branch like secret laboratory run by Red China inside a Swiss monastery - don't ask! - and Burt Kwouk as the lead villain. Yes, Clouseau sidekick and one time Goldfinger investor and SPECTRE agent. Oh, and it has Roger Moore in a tryst, well sort of, with a female Russian agent. Now, where else did we see him in that situation? )

Edited by Guy Haines, 14 July 2011 - 05:32 AM.

[Ian Dickerson]

The ups and downs of this project would make an interesting book in itself.

Episode 1 will be available as part of The Saint on TV shortly.

Ian

[scaramunga]

Can I mention that I'm enjoying the re-runs of the original ITV version of "The Saint" on ITV4? They are usually shown first thing of a morning, and I watch in between breakfast and getting ready to go off to work. Roger Moore remains, for me, the best "Saint", and some of the stories shown are almost like mini Bond films in themselves. I'm thinking of, for example, an episode called "Flight Path", where Templar foils a plot to hijack a Harrier jump jet using a bribed ex-RAF pilot, and "The Ex-King Of Diamonds", which is vaguely reminiscent of both CR and TB.

Another episode shown which might have raised eyebrows at the time it was first released was "The Persistent Patriots", in which Simon Templar prevents the assassination of the white Prime Minister of a British colony in Africa seeking independence. Bear in mind this was released during the period of Rhodesian UDI, and all the political heat that generated. In fact the episode concentrated more on the intended target's private life rather than his politics, but it's obvious to me that this episode was written to tie in with the UDI controversy.

Finally, another "standout" from the ITV4 re-runs - "The House On Dragon Rock". The Saint meets a scientist who has created giant ants. Honest!

(But since I added this post, I've just remembered another Bond like episode - "The Gadget Lovers", which features killer gadgets, and a Q Branch like secret laboratory run by Red China inside a Swiss monastery - don't ask! - and Burt Kwouk as the lead villain. Yes, Clouseau sidekick and one time Goldfinger investor and SPECTRE agent. Oh, and it has Roger Moore in a tryst, well sort of, with a female Russian agent. Now, where else did we see him in that situation? )

Love the old Roger Moore Saint series. I have them all on DVD, but find myself tuning into our local retro station to see which one they are showing. I believe they started with the first series and they are going in order. I miss them at times though. Weeknights at 10Pm and I believe weekends at 8PM.. Great stuff.

Looking forward to them coming to blu ray in the near future from Network. Very exciting news today about The Persuaders on blu ray in September!!

The ups and downs of this project would make an interesting book in itself.

Episode 1 will be available as part of The Saint on TV shortly.

Ian

Hmm. I'm sorry Ian.

: (

[Guy Haines]

Can I mention that I'm enjoying the re-runs of the original ITV version of "The Saint" on ITV4? They are usually shown first thing of a morning, and I watch in between breakfast and getting ready to go off to work. Roger Moore remains, for me, the best "Saint", and some of the stories shown are almost like mini Bond films in themselves. I'm thinking of, for example, an episode called "Flight Path", where Templar foils a plot to hijack a Harrier jump jet using a bribed ex-RAF pilot, and "The Ex-King Of Diamonds", which is vaguely reminiscent of both CR and TB.

Another episode shown which might have raised eyebrows at the time it was first released was "The Persistent Patriots", in which Simon Templar prevents the assassination of the white Prime Minister of a British colony in Africa seeking independence. Bear in mind this was released during the period of Rhodesian UDI, and all the political heat that generated. In fact the episode concentrated more on the intended target's private life rather than his politics, but it's obvious to me that this episode was written to tie in with the UDI controversy.

Finally, another "standout" from the ITV4 re-runs - "The House On Dragon Rock". The Saint meets a scientist who has created giant ants. Honest!

(But since I added this post, I've just remembered another Bond like episode - "The Gadget Lovers", which features killer gadgets, and a Q Branch like secret laboratory run by Red China inside a Swiss monastery - don't ask! - and Burt Kwouk as the lead villain. Yes, Clouseau sidekick and one time Goldfinger investor and SPECTRE agent. Oh, and it has Roger Moore in a tryst, well sort of, with a female Russian agent. Now, where else did we see him in that situation? )

Love the old Roger Moore Saint series. I have them all on DVD, but find myself tuning into our local retro station to see which one they are showing. I believe they started with the first series and they are going in order. I miss them at times though. Weeknights at 10Pm and I believe weekends at 8PM.. Great stuff.

Looking forward to them coming to blu ray in the near future from Network. Very exciting news today about The Persuaders on blu ray in September!!

The ups and downs of this project would make an interesting book in itself.

Episode 1 will be available as part of The Saint on TV shortly.

Ian

Hmm. I'm sorry Ian.

: (

Yes, I've got the complete set of "The Saint" on DVD also. Together with other old 1960s series such as Danger Man, The Prisoner (being re-run Wednesday mornings on ITV4) and the rest. When there's nothing worth watching on the telly - a frequent occurance these days - I put them on the DVD and wallow in nostalgia.

[St Louis]

Looks like all George Sanders Saint movies are being released in the US. In the UK, we are being ripped-off for them, one at a time. Here is the review:

"The George Sanders Saint Movies Collection" (Warner Archives, 1939-41, b/w, two discs, $29.95). George Sanders was neither the first nor the last to play Simon Templar, a sort of Robin Hood better known as "The Saint" (perhaps better remembered now are Roger Moore in a 1960s British TV series and Val Kilmer [tosser] in a 1997 film).

But Sanders made an indelible impression in five films, right in the middle of RKO's 1930s and '40s nine-picture franchise. And for many, he owns the character in the same way that Basil Rathbone owned Sherlock Holmes for so many years.

The scripts aren't bad but the budgets are low — these are B movies shot quickly on the studio backlot. But Sanders' dry-witted performances bring the character alive, making the movies more memorable than they would otherwise be.

Extras: full frame, five films

Here's the link

Edited by St Louis, 16 July 2011 - 12:32 PM.

[Bond Bombshell]

The ups and downs of this project would make an interesting book in itself.

Episode 1 will be available as part of The Saint on TV shortly.

Ian

I'll definitely snap this up when it comes out. As The Saint In New Orleans is still alive but without a leading man at the moment, you must be tearing your hair out as to the best time for a release.

I still think that Chris Vance would make a good Templar. I guess that now he's the lead in Transporter The Series he's out of the running.

[Guy Haines]

Looks like all George Sanders Saint movies are being released in the US. In the UK, we are being ripped-off for them, one at a time. Here is the review:

"The George Sanders Saint Movies Collection" (Warner Archives, 1939-41, b/w, two discs, $29.95). George Sanders was neither the first nor the last to play Simon Templar, a sort of Robin Hood better known as "The Saint" (perhaps better remembered now are Roger Moore in a 1960s British TV series and Val Kilmer [tosser] in a 1997 film).

But Sanders made an indelible impression in five films, right in the middle of RKO's 1930s and '40s nine-picture franchise. And for many, he owns the character in the same way that Basil Rathbone owned Sherlock Holmes for so many years.

The scripts aren't bad but the budgets are low — these are B movies shot quickly on the studio backlot. But Sanders' dry-witted performances bring the character alive, making the movies more memorable than they would otherwise be.

Extras: full frame, five films

Here's the link

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Tom Conway also play The Saint? And wasn't Conway George Sanders' brother in real life?

[St Louis]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Tom Conway also play The Saint? And wasn't Conway George Sanders' brother in real life?

Yes to both; Tom Conway played the Saint on radio and was Sanders' younger brother in real life. Tom also appeared with, and took over from George, in the neo-Saint Falcon movie series.

[jaguar007]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Tom Conway also play The Saint? And wasn't Conway George Sanders' brother in real life?

Yes to both; Tom Conway played the Saint on radio and was Sanders' younger brother in real life. Tom also appeared with, and took over from George, in the neo-Saint Falcon movie series.

Actually Conway was Sander' older brother.

[St Louis]

Actually Conway was Sander' older brother.

Indeed; you're as right as anybody could be...

[Ian Dickerson]

but without a leading man at the moment, you must be tearing your hair out as to the best time for a release.

My genetics are such that I'm fortunate enough to keep most of my hair. The last few years of the Saint Saga have however accounted for almost as many grey hairs as my kids.

Ian

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Tom Conway also play The Saint? And wasn't Conway George Sanders' brother in real life?

Yes to both; Tom Conway played the Saint on radio and was Sanders' younger brother in real life. Tom also appeared with, and took over from George, in the neo-Saint Falcon movie series.

Am I alone in wanting to read a good detailed biography of Conway?

Ian

[Guy Haines]

Whilst waiting for the TV people to sort out the mess which is called the "Digital TV switchover" in my neck of the woods, I've amused myself by watching my boxed DVD set of the black and white episodes of "The Saint".

I noticed something interesting about those early episodes, and I mean first series, 1962. I don't think the TV producers could quite decide whether Simon Templar should speak English with an English accent or an American or "Mid Atlantic" one. When ST's episodes were set in the UK, his accent is definitely English, but when an episode takes him abroad, it varies. In some, Roger Moore speaks with a Mid Atlantic accent, in others he certainly sounds American to my tin ear.

This happened with the first 30 minute episodes of "Danger Man" as well. John Drake's accent sounded more American than English, and it was only when the series went to 60 minute episodes that the clipped English accent (Which he carried on in "The Prisoner") was heard.

In both cases, was this due to indecision about the characters backgrounds - or did the TV producers have an eye on the US TV market and thought their lead characters should sound "transatlantic"? I wonder.

[Dustin]

Whilst waiting for the TV people to sort out the mess which is called the "Digital TV switchover" in my neck of the woods, I've amused myself by watching my boxed DVD set of the black and white episodes of "The Saint".

I noticed something interesting about those early episodes, and I mean first series, 1962. I don't think the TV producers could quite decide whether Simon Templar should speak English with an English accent or an American or "Mid Atlantic" one. When ST's episodes were set in the UK, his accent is definitely English, but when an episode takes him abroad, it varies. In some, Roger Moore speaks with a Mid Atlantic accent, in others he certainly sounds American to my tin ear.

This happened with the first 30 minute episodes of "Danger Man" as well. John Drake's accent sounded more American than English, and it was only when the series went to 60 minute episodes that the clipped English accent (Which he carried on in "The Prisoner") was heard.

In both cases, was this due to indecision about the characters backgrounds - or did the TV producers have an eye on the US TV market and thought their lead characters should sound "transatlantic"? I wonder.

Very good observation there, must look at those with an eye (well, ear in this case) on that next time.
I very much suppose it was due to hopes to sell to the US market, it's where a lot of the money, probably most of it, could be made in those days. I suspect also the 'Continental' episodes were perhaps supposed to sell easier to Americans with their flair of Paris, Rome and Amsterdam adding a little exotic background to the show and uncle G.I. Joe could point at the telly and exclaim 'That Colosseum in Rome/Eiffel Tower in Paris, that's where I've met your aunty!' or whatever it was he helped rid of the Germans. Europe used to be quite the rage with Americans back in the day, the dollar buying you easily four times it's US worth on the Continent. Whole families, parents and two children, came for trips of three to four weeks, living like royalty on what John Q. Public had earned as a technician during last year. You don't see that happen any more since the seventies or so.

I think the mid-Atlantic accent may have been done mainly for episodes Lew Grade thought would spark US interest and appeal to their preferences.

[Ian Dickerson]

I don't think I'm speaking out of turn and I'm sure it won't come as a shock to any readers of this board when I confirm that The Saint in New Orleans, as originally envisaged (and subsequently supported by the Facebook page), is dead in the water. This is primarily because no US network wanted it. There are many reasons for this, none of which I'll go into here.

The Saint remains in very active development with fresh scriptwriters on both sides of the Atlantic hard at work, and a seasoned US TV pro very keen to become a showrunner on it; we just need to make a decent network deal and for that we need a good script..

Ian

[Dustin]

So sorry to hear this. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a fresh go!

[jaguar007]

[Ian Dickerson]

That is a serious bummer.

It is indeed, for this thing should have been up and running a few years ago.

However I also believe it's an opportunity to get things right, and I'm not convinced they were entirely that.

[Ian Dickerson]

So...all the pre-orders for 'The Saint on TV' have been signed. I gather UK ones went out this afternoon, international ones will go out on Monday.

And as for the TV shows, well yes, I know we've been here before and you obviously all know how much I love to tease but we are thisclose to securing a deal with a top UK showrunner. And I don't think I've been this excited about the return of the Saint in a long, long time...

Ian

[Peckinpah1976]

Don't tell me after raping Doctor Who, Russell T Davies is now moving onto another of my childhood heroes....?

[Ian Dickerson]

Don't tell me after raping Doctor Who, Russell T Davies is now moving onto another of my childhood heroes....?

Funny you should mention his name...

...but no, not him. Though he was discussed.

Ian

[JLaidlaw]

I'm crossing my fingers for Tony Jordan, personally.

[RufusCobb]

So...all the pre-orders for 'The Saint on TV' have been signed. I gather UK ones went out this afternoon, international ones will go out on Monday.

And as for the TV shows, well yes, I know we've been here before and you obviously all know how much I love to tease but we are thisclose to securing a deal with a top UK showrunner. And I don't think I've been this excited about the return of the Saint in a long, long time...

Ian

I have just finished reading Ian Dickerson’s “The Saint on TV”. A fantastic read for anyone who is interested in the genesis and history of one of the literary world’s most interesting heroes, Ian’s book covers the Saint from his creation up to the present day.
An interesting and well written tale of Leslie Charteris’ struggle to get the Saint first onto film and then onto TV. Filled with a wealth of detailed background information on each incarnation, there is a synopsis and cast/crew list from each episode of three TV series, as well as comments and anecdotes from the participants.
It also gives a valuable insight into British television of the 60’s, for anyone like me who is interested in that period. This will go on my bookshelf alongside my books on the Avengers and ITC.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone who is a fan of the Saint.
One more thing … Ian, the layout of this book with its minimal graphics lends itself to an easy conversion to the eBook formats, when might we expect to see it on Kindle?

[jaguar007]

Thanks for the review Rufuscobb. I pre-ordered my copy many moons ago and eagerly await my copy. Of course being in the US it will probably take a couple weeks to get here.

[Ian Dickerson]

Thanks for your kind comments Rufus.

A digital version is on its way...

Ian

[screamingmoonrock]

I met with an old friend from university who now works within the BBC legal dept. We were sitting in a bar when a video from Snow Patrol came on, I said to her is that Jack Davenport in the video, to which she replied hmmm...... The Saint, he could be the new Saint from what the rumblings at the Beeb.

As I quizzed her even more, she said also the young actor from the last series of Spooks was mentioned. From that I assume she's talking about the actor who played the character of Dimitri.

Let the rumours begin.

[Ian Dickerson]

I strongly suspect this comes from the showrunner we've been talking to discussing possible casting with his contacts. There are two things I should make clear:

1. This showrunner is no longer involved with the Saint - much to everyone's disappointment.
2. The chances of the show ending up at the Beeb are slim to non-existent.

Ian