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...

The Silent Service

A submarine has reportedly crashed killing all 76 crew members on board. But in reality the ship, armed with a nuclear missile, has disappeared into the deep ocean. Captain Shiro Kaieda is attempting to realise his ideal world

Also tagged Wartime Drama

The Rat Catchers

Secretive operators work to ensure the security of the country.

Also tagged Spy Series

A Perfect Spy

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

Also tagged Spy Series

Have Gun Will Travel

US Western series which chronicled the exploits of the college educated, West Point trained, black clad lone solider of fortune known simply as 'Paladin'

Also released in 1957

Quiller

British spy series starring Michael Jayston as a covert operative who is sent on various missions across the globe to retrieve missing documentation, prevent secrets from falling into the hands of the enemy, or eliminate those whom Her Majesty's Government wishes to disappear

Also tagged Spy Series

The Army Game

Hugely successful series from Granada TV that started in 1957 as a fortnightly live sitcom, which was moved to a weekly spot when it became so popular. The series followed the misfortunes of a mixed bag of army conscripts.

Also released in 1957

24 tv series

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

Also tagged Action Adventure

The Gay Cavalier

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

Also released in 1957

The War of Darkie Pilbeam

For most families the 1940s consisted of air-raid shelters, the sound of ack-ack and rationing. Some people profiteered - people like Darkie Pilbeam.

Also tagged Wartime Drama