The Persuaders!

An early and quintessential example of the mismatched crime-fighting duo formula that would later dominate international television - particularly in the 1970s and '80s, The Persuaders! was arguably the most opulent and unashamedly entertaining series ever launched by the prolific ITC Entertainment machine up to that point. Lavish in production, tongue firmly in cheek, and soaked in glamour, it became a cult classic that stood out in a crowded field of transatlantic action-adventure programming.

What truly elevated The Persuaders! above ITC's already ambitious offerings was the inspired casting of Roger Moore as the dashing British aristocrat Lord Brett Sinclair, alongside Hollywood royalty Tony Curtis as the streetwise, Bronx-born self-made millionaire Danny Wilde. The series followed the unlikely pairing as they were coerced into solving crimes by the genteel but scheming retired Judge Fulton (played by Laurence Naismith). Tasked with righting wrongs that had slipped through legal cracks, the pair traversed Europe in fast cars, fine suits, and frequent flirtations, clashing culturally and comedically at every turn.

The strength of the show lay not just in its exotic locations, thrilling action sequences, or high production values, but in the effortless chemistry between Moore and Curtis. Despite their contrasting backgrounds — one a suave Englishman, the other a brash American, they developed a playful, adversarial camaraderie. Much of the show’s charm came from their bickering banter, mutual mockery, and a constant game of one-upmanship. Their rapport was laced with meta-humour; in one famous moment, Curtis answers a hotel phone with, “Bernard Schwartz? Never heard of him”, a wink to the audience, as that was his real name.

The format wasn’t conjured from thin air. In fact, a dry run of the concept appeared in a 1969 episode of The Saint called The Ex-King of Diamonds, which paired Moore’s Simon Templar with Stuart Damon (later of The Champions). It served as a test for ITC to assess Moore's chemistry with an American co-star. While Damon delivered, ITC executives — particularly media mogul Lew Grade — wanted an A-list American actor to ensure the series would break into the U.S. market. Offers went out to Rock Hudson and Glenn Ford, both of whom declined due to the commitment of shooting overseas. Eventually, Tony Curtis was approached, and his signing was seen by co-creator Robert S. Baker as “the best thing that could have happened to the series.”

Contrary to persistent rumours that Moore and Curtis clashed behind the scenes, both actors consistently denied any serious friction. While they had different personalities and working styles, Moore later stated, “Tony and I had a good on- and off-screen relationship. We were two very different people, but we did share a sense of humour.”

Despite its undeniable style and wit, The Persuaders! Inexplicably struggled to find an American audience. Intended as a transatlantic hit, the show was cancelled by ABC after only one season of 24 episodes, failing in its most crucial market. Ironically, it thrived in Europe, particularly in Germany, France, and the UK, where reruns and DVD sales kept it alive long after its short original run. Its distinctive theme, composed by James Bond maestro John Barry, became iconic—foreshadowing Moore’s future as 007, a role he would take on just two years later.

Though it never reached the commercial heights its creators envisioned, The Persuaders! remains a jewel of 1970s television: stylish, cheeky, and endlessly rewatchable. It wasn’t profound drama, but it never pretended to be. Instead, it offered a breezy blend of espionage, elegance, and escapism — executed with a self-aware grin and a knowing wink.