Homepage Television Heaven Logo
The Gay Cavalier

The Gay Cavalier

1957 - United Kingdom

1950's swashbuckling adventure (in the days when 'gay' only meant carefree, flambouyant and waggish) that took a true-life historical rogue and turned him into a romantic figure, who fought for the Stuart cause against the supposedly tyrannical dictatorship of Oliver Cromwell, in an England torn apart by civil war. 

In reality the Gay Cavalier (Captain Claude Duval) was a highwayman with a reputation for being something of a ladies-man. However, he was a staunch supporter of Charles ll, who was forced to live in exile in France following defeat at Worcester by Cromwell's army in 1651. Charles would eventually return triumphantly to England after Cromwell's death and his period of reign would be known as the Restoration period. 

The TV series was in similar vein to other popular adventure series of the day such as The Adventures of... 'Robin Hood,' 'William Tell' and 'Sir Lancelot', and it's star, Christian Marquand, was joined by Christopher Lee (episode 4), John Le Mesurier (episode 7), Conrad Phillips (episode 7), Nigel Stock (episode 8) and Sam Kydd (episode 8 and 9 -portraying different characters!). Made by Associated Rediffusion and shot on film this series is unique for one made on such a format in as much as not one single episode (shown from May to August 1957) of the 13 made has survived. 

Each self contained story followed Duval's exploits as he tried to retrieve a piece of treasure, save a maiden in distress or thwart a Roundhead plot, and for each of these quests he was to be seen in the company of a beautiful woman. Had the series survived the legend of the Gay Cavalier may well have fared better than it has done, especially in light of his epitaph, which can be found above his tomb in London's Covent Garden church: 'Here lies Duval: Reader- if male thou art look to thy purse; if female, to thy heart.' Stirring stuff!

Published on December 17th, 2018. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Errol Flynn Theatre

British-produced anthology series along similar lines to Douglas Fairbanks Presents; both were made to cash in on the growing US and British television markets.

Also starring Christopher Lee

The Yellow Pill

Who is the strange man brought by the police to Dr. Frame? Is he a murderer? How did he gain his uncanny knowledge of Frame's private life? Is it possible that he really comes from another time?

Also starring Nigel Stock

The Mating Machine

A series of seven stand-alone comedies featuring some of Britain's best sitcom writers and performers. The Mating Machine is united by a single theme - computer dating.

Also starring Sam Kydd

The Granville Melodramas

Popular fortnightly series resurrecting stage melodramas of the 19th century

Also starring John Le Mesurier

A Class By Himself

When his stately home runs into financial trouble, Lord Bleasham needs to find a way to raise funds...without his daughter finding out.

Also starring John Le Mesurier

The Pursuers

Low budget cop show where a police officer and his dog go in search of crime...

Also starring John Le Mesurier

Gormenghast

A gothic fantasy based on the first two novels by Mervyn Peake that follows the life of Titus Groan, the heir of an ancient and decaying castle who faces threats and challenges, not least of all from an ambitious murderer

Also starring Christopher Lee

The Black and White Minstrel Show

A firm Saturday night favourite for many years The Black and White Minstrel Show, a mixture of American deep South music previously popularised by internationally famous vaudeville stars such as the great Al Jolson.

Also released in 1957

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