Overture

What a terrific TV show from my youngest years, which I discovered when I was a kid. It is still as fun and refreshing as before. It never became old fashioned, and the chemistry between the two characters never failed. And when you watch out the makers, producer, screen writer and director, you obtain Basil Dearden, Brian Clemens and Robert S Baker, what could you expect better? And I almost forgot the fantastic and so charming opening credits and score theme by the late John Barry, that no one can forget. By the way, it was Basil Dearden's last material, before his death in 1970. With another combination, I would have never even tried this show, but here, forty years later, I am still under charm. Tony Curtis was a Hollywood actor before, whilst Roger Moore made a bit movies but was mainly a TV series star: IVANHOE, THE SAINT. Before he became James Bond, three years later.

This one-season 70's series was a LOT of fun as it would almost have to be with both Moore, doing his typical suave Englishman routine, and Curtis almost reprising his SOME LIKE IT HOT hustler-with-a-heart-of-gold. Sometime DR WHO scriptwriter Terry Nation makes the most of the contrast, and throw in wacky '70s fashions plus enough dough to actually shoot scenes on location, and you've got something that should have run MUCH longer.

Two international playboys receive a summons to the Riviera, where they wind up under the thumb of a retired judge with a hunger for justice. Judge Fulton needs someone outside the law to pursue the mystery of a crime syndicate that is still operating after the apparent death of its boss. Fulton challenges Wilde and Sinclair to rise above their selfish lifestyles and, developing a taste for sparring with each other, the pair pursue a beautiful girl who unknowingly holds the key to locking up the bad guys.

This isn't my favorite episode of the series; it takes Moore and Curtis an episode or two more to really master their chemistry. If you're wading through the DVD set I'd recommend skipping ahead to POWERSWITCH.

The role that maybe cemented Roger Moore as James Bond. There is a great story as how Lord Lew Grade got this series off the ground.

He sold it as a prestige vehicle starring Roger Moore and Tony Curtis, even though both actors had not yet signed up.

The Persuaders are two unmotivated playboys who could make a difference but choose to fool around instead.

American Danny Wilde (Tony Curtis) is a brash oil tycoon. Lord Brett Sinclair (Roger Moore) is descended from nobility. Retired Judge Fulton has deliberately sought them out under the threat of three months jail time in the Cote d'Azur for brawling.

Their first mission is simple. Seek out a young woman sunbathing and check if she has a tattoo and her identity.

Maria (Imogen Hassall) is a beautiful young woman. Unknown to Danny and Brett, her brother was an infamous gangster who reputedly died a few years ago.

Judge Fulton is not convinced and plans to use Danny, Brett and Maria to draw out her late brother.

I liked this opening episode. It displayed the contrasting characters of Danny and Brett. There is location shooting in the south of France. Brett's costume is designed by Moore himself.

Good action, good guest stars and a good start. Danny and Brett could be in a mission to seek out those who evaded justice.