The Protectors

The Protectors (1)

1964 - United Kingdom

The Protectors had one of the most difficult jobs on television when first introduced in 1964, as this team of specialists were brought in to bridge the gap left by the concluding episode of that year's highly successful series of The Avengers

"We sell security. Object: To prevent crime," was the motto of the three specialists operating out of a plush London office. 

Producer Michael Chapman said of the series, "This is in sharp contrast to The Avengers, which dealt with crime in a stylish, fantasy world. Our show is about three level-headed people who try to prevent crime from happening." Certainly Heather Keys played by former Compact actress Ann Morrish was no Cathy Gale. "I suppose it is inevitable I should be compared to Cathy," said Morrish in 1964. "But off-screen and on we couldn't be more different." 

The series took for its inspiration the many security firms that were beginning to spring up around Britain at that time, and after placing advertisements in newspapers, asking prospective clients to call 'Wellbeck 3269' the SIS (Specialists in Security) firm headed by former insurance investigator Ian Souter (Andrew Faulds), and assisted by ex policeman Robert Shoesmith (Michael Atkinson) found themselves assigned to cases involving forgery, espionage and murder. African born Faulds had previously come to public notice as a prospective Labour parliamentary candidate for Stratford-on-Avon, and took up his political career once more after retiring from acting to become an MP. Ann Morrish went on to be a presenter on the pre-school children's show Play School.

Published on January 21st, 2019. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

The Avengers TV Series

Few television series have transcended their original concept and evolved to actually help shape and define the era in which they flourished. But then of course, there’s precious few series quite like The Avengers.

Also tagged Avengers

Police Surgeon

A socially conscious doctor works with the Metropolitan Police and often gets too involved in his cases.

Also tagged Avengers

Honor Blackman

As Cathy Gale in The Avengers, Honor Blackman not only altered public perception of women in television, she re-characterized the role and kick-started the whole 1960s 'second wave' feminist movement.

Also tagged Avengers

The Hen House

One-off comedy starring Barbara Windsor

Also released in 1964

The Hour That Never Was

A surreal blend of espionage, eerie atmosphere, and avant-garde flair, The Hour That Never Was stands as The Avengers’ definitive masterpiece—where wit meets the uncanny in peak Steed-and-Peel brilliance

Also tagged Avengers

The Expert TV series 1968

The professional and personal life of Home Office pathologist Professor John Hardy, who works not only for the police but also for other interested parties.

Also starring Ann Morrish

Lizzie Dripping

BBC children's series about a mischievous 12 year-old girl, Penelope Arbuckle, and her imaginary witch friend who only Penelope (and the TV audience) could see.

Also starring Ann Morrish

Johnny Quest

Cartoon series for kids inspired by James Bond.

Also released in 1964