Ron Randell in OSS

O.S.S.

1957 - United Kingdom

Ron Randell and Robert Gallico starred as agents Frank Hawthorne and Sgt O'Brien working for the Office of Strategic Services during World War ll. Both men received their orders from Lionel Murton as 'The Chief' and the series was allegedly based on a real organisation of the same name, which was disbanded after the war and was in fact the precursor to the CIA. Co-producer William Eliscu had himself served in the agency, adding some semblance of authenticity to the stories, which usually involved rescue and sabotage missions behind enemy lines. 

The series was distributed by ITC and networked in the United States by ABC

Published on January 16th, 2019. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Educated Evans

Based on an Edgar Wallace created character this 1957/8 sitcom starred Charlie Chester as the popular Cockney racing tipster 'Educated' Evans, who ducked and dived through the back streets and public houses of London all the while trying to stay one step ahead of the law.

Also released in 1957

Emergency Ward 10

Britain's first medical soap, which was also the first of the country's twice-weekly serials, went on to become one of the nation’s best loved programmes, reaching an average audience of 16 million people a week and 24 million at its peak.

Also released in 1957

A Perfect Spy

Magnus Pym is a self-serving, unfeeling individual who leads a life of duplicity and betrayal.

Also tagged Spy Series

The Gay Cavalier

Swashbuckling adventure as yet another historical rogue is turned into a hero for 1950s British television.

Also released in 1957

Sea Hunt

Freelance underwater troubleshooter travels the globe.

Also tagged Action Adventure

24 tv series

Counter terrorism agent Jack Bauer and his team have been assigned.

Also tagged Action Adventure

Das Boot

The year is 1941 and it's the height of World War II. In German-occupied France, a youthful submarine crew gathers for one last night of drunken revelry before they take to the high seas.

Also tagged Wartime Drama