Episode 85: Emma Peel Era
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Produced: mid-March 1965 to ca. 14 April 1965
UK Premiere (London, Season 4): 7 October 1965
US Premiere (New York, Season 1): 4 August 1966
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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.
IMHO |
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!
Trivia |
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.
Piers (Mrs Peel — We're Needed!) Johnson notes, "I work with a Rob Gaunt, who is in fact a distant descendant of the celebrated noble John of Gaunt." John of Gaunt is the name of Sir Horace's model steam locomotive.
Lost secrets mystery: Why are there two versions of titles for this episode?
Steed's Aunties: Emma arrives at Steed's flat to find him
playing with a toy gun. Emma: "Second childhood?" Steed: "Nephew's birthday."
On Location |
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.
Best Scene |
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.
Best Line |
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."
Tag |
Steed and Emma chug away on Sir Horace's train.
