Strange Report

During the summer of, I think, 1971, NBC used a three-year-old British show called The Strange Report as a summer replacement. I have very good memories of my 20-year-old sister wanting me to see this cool show and my surprise that it was cool (and she wanted to spend time with me, her annoying brother of 13!).

I remember the show as a fairly hip, witty, and funny show about three scientists who investigated the para-normal. The two male leads, Anthony Quayle and Kaz Garas were established character actors, but I didn't have a clue about the female lead. The show was spooky and scary and terribly fun to watch on a hot July night. Honestly, I don't remember much from the show--this review is more about the memories it evoked, but, if you ever get a chance to see it, watch it with an open mind (through my adult lenses, it's probably just awful!) and imagine seeing this with your older sibling(s) and feeling just fine.

I've just recently obtained the DVD set of all 16 episodes of "The Strange Report" and have managed to watch a quite few episodes. This is really a first class series. I'm a big fan of most of the ITC productions (the golden age of UK TV), but I wasn't aware of this programme until recently. It is definitely up there with such quality ITC shows as "The Champions", "The Prisoner", "Randall and Hopkirk Deceased" and "Department S". Apparently, this series differed from the rest because it was an Anglo-American co-production, involving both American and UK producers, writers etc.

The 3 main characters interact very well on screen and there is a very good rapport between them which draws the viewer in. I think the show really stands out because it tackles some very emotive subjects such as racism, immigration, medical ethics and diplomatic incidents.

Another great aspect to all the episodes are its views of late sixties London; capturing some parts of the city which have changed over time. A lot of ITC stuff tended to rely on mostly studio and set production with a little location filming and stock footage. This programme has plenty of location work which just gives it that edge. Finally, a fantastic, vibrant and very memorable theme by Roger Webb, puts the cherry on the cake.

It would have been great to see the planned second series set in the USA. Definitely a fine example of good old Anglo-American cooperation.

The Strange Report is nowadays quite forgotten compared to the other ITV adventures like The Saint, Danger Man etc. Only one season was ever made. This isn't however, because the series flopped; in fact the truth is quite opposite. The Strange Report was an ambitious series, starring Anthony Quayle as a master detective utilizing top science and psychological skill instead of fists and guns. It got good reviews and was very popular in the UK. ITV got so excited, they thought they had a break at the US market and decided to film the second season in the States. As Strange as it may sound, Quayle and his female sidekick, Anneke Wills, decided they didn't feel like traveling, and the series was axed! How does the series, killed by its popularity, look now? It has a nice swinging 60's look, but it has it's problems. Kaz Garas as the male sidekick Hamlyn Gynt(?) is quite a bland character, and although Anthony Quayle does a competent job, mr. Strange isn't extremely charismatic. It is, however, a quality show, good scripts, good acting, decent production values. The Strange Report genuinely favors wit over action. Strange can talk the criminal to put down his gun instead of the usual shooting and chasing. Definitely a show worth checking out.

I've thoroughly enjoyed watching this (largely-forgotten) series over the past few weeks, & I'm just so surprised that I'd never come across it before. Starring the excellent Anthony Quayle (in a very naturalistic & perfectly understated performance) as criminologist Adam Strange, each hour-long story sees him tackling an unusual (numbered) case that is slightly out of the normal field of Scotland Yard's remit - ably assisted by forensics expert Ham (Kaz Garas), & Strange's pretty young female artist neighbour Evelyn (played by Dr Who's Anneke Wills). There are some eminent guest-stars too, including a pre-Sweeney John Thaw, Ian Ogilvy, Julian Glover, Martin Shaw, Sally Geeson, Bernard Lee & Anthony's 'Ice Cold in Alex' co-star Sylvia Syms, to name a few.

Only one series of 16 episodes were made - broadcast in the UK on Sunday evenings between September 1969 & January 1970. I liked the Little Venice London setting of Strange's apartment, & there's some excellent location work too which adds plenty of colour & late-60s period charm. The production is based at Pinewood, & good use is made too of the studios environs & locations in the surrounding areas. There's also of course the obligatory catchy theme tune & memorable title sequence that you would expect.

This show to me seems to bridge the gap perhaps from the more studio-bound & fantasy-based ITC shows of the 60s to the more gritty & realistic drama series that would start to emerge in the 70s. It's highly-enjoyable & original, & it seems a pity that only one season was made - although I'm not sure the proposed setting of the second season in America would have been such a good idea, as it may have lost the intimacy & 'Swinging London' feel that make this perfect collection of 16 episodes so unique.

All in all, highly-recommended for fans of tele-fantsasy & lovers of 60s kitsch, & a real hidden gem of a programme.

I remember watching this as a 14-year-old when it was originally televised. It really is a blast from the past. Great acting, good story lines - no computer graphics here. And the old London taxi? Fabulous! What you see is what you get. It's fun to see now well-established actors in small roles. Sadly, Sir Anthony Quayle is no longer with us, and Anneke Wills retired from acting long ago. Surprisingly, so few people seem to remember the show. It is every bit as good as its contemporaries - The Avengers, The Professionals etc. A shame only one series was made. It stands the test of time and will surely jog the memory for people of a certain age. Buy it and enjoy! 60s TV at its best.