Theme is by Johnny Dankworth, British jazz musician and husband of the great singer, Cleo Laine (now 94!)

The "ABC" referred to Associated British Corporation, which at the time had the franchise for the commercial ITV network on Saturdays and Sundays in Northern England and the English Midlands. It was during Honor Blackman's stint with the series that "The Avengers" moved from a straightforward crime drama to the lighter, stylish show so many fans fondly remember. That transition would make the show a classic on both sides of the Atlantic.

This is the FIRST TIME I'eve heard this Theme! Thank You for posting. :D

The first 26 episodes were pre Cathy Gale. They were black, often sinister, and didn't have happy endings. Most are missing now, or perhaps never recorded at all. They often took place in top secret research establishments, and typically showed just a pair of feet walking down a corridor in the darkness, the owner on his way to murder a scientist. The scariest moment I have ever encountered on film or TV took place in "Dead of Winter", when Steed found a body in a deep freeze at the London Docks. Camera suddenly zoomed in on frozen face, with sudden very loud incidental music. Then - "End of Act 2" !!

"Extraordinary crimes against the people and the state have to be avenged by agents extraordinary. Two such people are John Steed, top professional, and his partner, Catherine Gale, talented amateur. Otherwise known as the Avengers."

@unowen-nh9ov

4 ай бұрын

Uhm, no. That was b&w prologue filmed for 1st American showing, you can tell because Rigg's hair is longer & she's wearing leather, her actual long hair was her 2nd colour season in her fabric Emmapeelers, leather was her b&w 1st season. Mrs. Gale was not "talented amateur", she was widowed anthropologist back from Africa where her husband had been killed.

Catherine Gale made it possible for there to be a Emma Peel and Tara King.

@iflarnted

Жыл бұрын

So true. Honor went on to Goldfinger and Diana Rigg to OHMSS. Joanna Lumley a future Avengers girl appears in OHMSS.

Laurie Johnson's music and theme for the series beginning with Diana Rigg is so much better and fitting.

Bit sinister