Episode 85: Emma Peel Era |
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Produced: mid-March 1965 to ca. 14 April 1965 The country's early warning radar system is failing intermittently, and Steed and Emma are charged with the task of finding out why. The trail leads from a graveyard to a hospital run exclusively for the benefit of railway men where, unbeknownst to the eccentric financier, a plan is being hatched to disable Britain's entire defense system with jamming devices hidden in coffins.
This episode is a perfect example of the charming goofiness of The Avengers, as toward the end we find Emma tied to the railway tracks and Steed fighting the baddies atop a moving steam train (albeit a little one), while a silent film music score plays! A nice departure from the usual straightforward fight sequence. Another wonderful bit is in the operating room, where the surgeon asks the nurse for such things as calipers, wrenches, and a blowtorch. Pure delight!
Ray Austin, who plays Baron, was the resident Stunt Arranger for the series. He went on to direct several Tara King episodes and co-produce The New Avengers. Steed's Aunties: Emma arrives at Steed's flat to find him playing with a toy gun. Emma: "Second childhood?" Steed: "Nephew's birthday."
The model train scenes were filmed at The Stapleford Miniature Railway, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, 4 April 1965. See On Location for present-day views, and visit their website if you'd like to ride the train! Aldenham Church at Letchmore Heath doubled for Pringby Church.
Steed fights the baddies aboard the miniature train. A very close second would be lunch aboard Sir Horace's dining car—textbook British humor, right down to a burping, squeaking scenery machine.
With respect to being an "engine driver" (train engineer), Steed remarks, "There's no security, always on the move," to which Emma replies, "At least it would have kept you to the straight and narrow."
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THE GRAVEDIGGERS |
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Teleplay by |
Malcolm Hulke |
CAST |
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John Steed |
Patrick Macnee 007 |
UNBILLED/STUNTS |
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Dr. Palmer |
Aubrey Richards # |
Ray Austin |
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Caroline Blakiston |
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Harvey Hall |
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Bryan Mosley |
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Aubrey Richards |
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Victor Platt |
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George Selway |
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materials copyrighted per their respective copyright holders. |