Sir Francis Drake

I am so pleased that (in the UK) the Talking Pictures channel is running the whole of this series. Like some of the other contributors I haven't seen them since I was a nipper but they must have made a big impression on my young mind as the music and sets are so familiar.

Its also fascinating to spot guest stars in early roles - Michael Anderson Jnr, Michael Crawford, Nanette Newman, David McCallum, Howard Lang, and of all people the bloke from 'Play School' Brian Cant who played a small part in one episode, to name but a few.

They don't make them like this anymore . . .

Was a summer replacement on U.S. TV for "Car 54". Of all of the ITC historical drama/action shows this one had the highest standards -and it showed. A lot of effort went into correct clothes, sets and historical information. A REAL pity it only lasted one season. A bigger pity is that ITC of England has not released this show for video.

Two or three times in elementary school in Maryland in the early 1970's, we saw a half-hour black and white film about the round-the-world voyage of Sir Francis Drake. It had much better production values than the typical 16mm classroom film of the time and I always wondered where it came from.

Now I know -- it must have been an episode of this series. I'd love to see it and other episodes, especially since I now live in the state named after Queen Elizabeth I.

This series is loosely based on the story of Sir Francis Drake woven with the characters around at the time- e.g. Sir Thomas Stukely (King of America) and the Irish female pirate Grace O'Malley . It's not historically accurate but poetic licence makes some marvellous viewing all these years since it was made. In parts there is comedy and wit, which I did not pick up on when I watched it as a child. The production values are superb, the picture crisp and the sound good, as are the actors. Queen Elizabeth (Jean Kent) and the Spanish Ambassador (Roger Delgado) deserve a particular mention as thoroughly believable casting. Although there are good sets the shipboard scenes are also filmed at sea. It is also interesting to see a young Michael Crawford in what must be one of his earliest roles.

I was one of those kids glued to the TV for every episode! It was my favorite show. I used to look forward to episodes with the ship in them, it was beautiful, to my 12 year old eyes it was real and certainly buckled my 'swash'! I remember the quality of each episode, as a kid, you were there! The acting, settings and costumes were excellent and convincing to me their target audience. Shortly after that we came to Australia where I joined the Royal Australian Navy! I just couldn't wait to get to sea. It made for some great times and great shipmates many of whom are still taking the 'mick' out of each other 35 years down the track. So Thank you to all concerned with the making of this excellent series. It made a difference in my life! PS I still sail a small sloop and still have the Airfix model of Drakes ship I made age 13 :-)