Sir Francis Drake

This series is loosely based on the story of Sir Francis Drake woven with the characters around at the time- e.g. Sir Thomas Stukely (King of America) and the Irish female pirate Grace O'Malley . It's not historically accurate but poetic licence makes some marvellous viewing all these years since it was made. In parts there is comedy and wit, which I did not pick up on when I watched it as a child. The production values are superb, the picture crisp and the sound good, as are the actors. Queen Elizabeth (Jean Kent) and the Spanish Ambassador (Roger Delgado) deserve a particular mention as thoroughly believable casting. Although there are good sets the shipboard scenes are also filmed at sea. It is also interesting to see a young Michael Crawford in what must be one of his earliest roles.

Was a summer replacement on U.S. TV for "Car 54". Of all of the ITC historical drama/action shows this one had the highest standards -and it showed. A lot of effort went into correct clothes, sets and historical information. A REAL pity it only lasted one season. A bigger pity is that ITC of England has not released this show for video.

It was a long time ago. "Sir Francis Drake" was my favourite show. At that time, my family did not own a TV set so I could only watch it when invited by friends. I eagerly awaited each episode. For a period drama for children, this was similar in style to the Richard Greene "Robin Hood". I'm afraid Sir Francis was shown in a much better light than the real person who, by most accounts, was not much above a pirate. The action was great and there was some reference to historical accuracy which made school history come to life. To this day I still remember the music, played by a full symphony orchestra. How did they get such realistic 16th century ships? Were they models? I'd love to see the series again and appraise it with my sceptical adult eye.

An excellent performance by that very underrated actor, Terence Morgan. You felt that Elizabethan England was in safe hands! How refreshing it was that television used to show real historical characters in series that were attractive to children. Of course Drake was made exceptionally sympathetic but it managed to put over some of the aura that the real historical character must have possessed. Many of the issues raised in this series - starving and underpaid seamen and soldiers, the diplomatic conventions hiding an inevitable move to war, and corruption amongst the great and the good. Maybe it's time for another series on Drake!

The best of the ITC historical series commissioned for ITV, Terence Morgan can actually act and makes the swordfencing exiting and seem more realistic than some of his contemporaries. Great to spot Michael Crawford and the big guy I remember from the St Bruno tobacco ads from the 60s and 70s amongst others. Altogether great entertainment when it was released and is still valid today.