Shadow Squad

Shadow Squad

1957 - United Kingdom

Frustrated by the rules and regulations that hampered his criminal investigations, Detective Vic Steele (Rex Garner) turned his back on Scotland Yard and the Flying Squad to set up his own private detective agency. 

Assisted by his trusty Cockney sidekick Ginger Smart (George Moon), Steele set up a company called Shadow Squad. Steele and Smart went about solving whatever case came their way, although there were times when they needed the help of their trusted and, it must be noted, very alert charlady Mrs Moggs (Kathleen Boutall) who often noticed a vital clue that had escaped the two sleuths. The largely based studio-bound series was noted for its moody quality, often employing stark close-ups and also for using a two-part format - the first and second episode being aired on different nights of the same week. The first 26 episodes were filmed in London and produced by Associated Rediffusion but after these 13 adventures the rest of the run came courtesy of Granada Television. 

Its not clear if it was Granada or the actor who played him who made the decision, but once the shooting moved 'up North' the character of Vic Steele left (apparently to take up a long-term assignment in Australia) to be replaced by a former Scotland Yard DI, Don Carter (Peter Williams). This was proved to be a popular move with the viewers and the series continued until June 1959, the last episode finishing in somewhat bizarre fashion with actors Moon and Williams dropping out of character, introducing themselves by their real names and then walking off the studio set. Moon took his character, now employed as a security man, into a short lived spin-off series called Skyport.

Published on January 28th, 2019. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Interpol Calling

The International Police investigate everything from murder to blackmail, drugs to hijacking and assassination to slavery.

Also tagged Crime Drama

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

The Four Just Men

Based on a novel by Edgar Wallace, The Four Just Men was one of the first series that mixed an all-star cast, crime-fighting adventure and exotic locations.

Also tagged Crime Drama

Jack the Ripper

Two fictional detectives go off in search of clues to one of the world's greatest unsolved cases.

Also tagged Crime Drama

The Gay Cavalier

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

Also released in 1957

Crime of Passion TV series

In France crime passionnel (or crime of passion) was a valid defence during murder cases; during the 19th century, some cases could result in a custodial sentence for two years for the murderer.

Also tagged Crime Drama

Gangsters tv series

Hard hitting crime drama series inspired by the movie The French Connection.

Also tagged Crime Drama

Knight Errant TV series

"Knight Errant '59. Quests undertaken, dragons defeated, damsels rescued. Anything, anywhere, for anyone, so long as it helps. Fees according to means"

Also tagged Crime Drama

The Adventures of Long John Silver

Australian series filmed in colour but only available to the UK viewing public of 1957 in black and white, The Adventures of Long John Silver was based very loosely on Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 novel Treasure Island.

Also released in 1957