Gideon's Way

Long forgotten police drama series featuring the cases and adventures of honest family man copper Inspector Gideon.All the hallmarks of its production company are there,such as easily digestible stories that had an international appeal and production values that were head and shoulders above the well remembered police series of that day such as 'Z Cars' and 'Dixon Of Dock Green'. Shot entirely on film it was possibly one of the first British police series to escape the studio and use extensive location filming. TV stations have prejudice against shows made in black and white so consequently this has probably not been on TV since its first or second showing?

For years, Edwin Astley's theme song from Gideon's Way stuck in my mind. I remembered it as well as John Gregson's splendid performance as the show's title character. Imagine my delight at finding Gideon's Way on DVD. Although produced over forty years ago, the show is as compelling as any recent TV offering. I think John Gregson captures the essence of the character he plays. He's surrounded by a solid supporting cast and guest stars like a very young John Hurt. The black and white photography is an asset to the programme; it gives Gideon's Way a gritty realism. Some of the prints used for the DVD seem a bit soft, but all are watchable. Movies and TV shows that survive as more than quaint time capsules do so because they are still relevant in some way. The human drama of Gideon's Way proves this.

I have waited for a long time for this series to come out on DVD and am not sorry for the wait. I saw the series on tele in the 60s and boy what a difference to todays world. John Gregson was an excellent actor who deserved better parts that what he got in his days. What happened to our once loved and respected police from that series. Long gone and nothing like what we have today. Poorly trained, invisible, no ties, failure to wear their headgear when on duty unless visiting royalty and ministers visits. The series was well acted and with good location series and memories of a lot of great actors and actresses of that time it is a joy to watch. Loved the policemen all dressed properly and smart, the police cars that brought fear into our young hearts at the time. The police sergeants out on their bikes inspecting the troops again something long gone. Sad it all gone. Thank god for dvds.

For anyone interested in Scotland Yard, London of the 60's and a veritable conveyor belt of some of the best British character actors, this box set is a must have. Starring the ever likable John Gregson as Commander George Gideon (who never monopolises the story lines) and the handsome Alexander Davion as Det. Inspector David Keen this takes you back to the era of run down streets, policemen still visible on those streets, old cars, motor scooters, pork pie hats and ersatz Rock 'n Roll. Amongst those appearing are George Cole, Ray Barratt, Harry Fowler, George Sewell, Justine Lord, Victor Maddern, Sydney Tafler, Ray Brooks, Jack Hedley, Angela Douglas, Patrick Allen, Eric Barker, Alfie Bass, Bryan Pringle, Ann Lynn and an extremely young looking John Hurt and a rarity for the time, just one token American in Donald Sutherland. A mention also for the magnificent Derren Nesbitt who turns up in the first episode 'The Tin God', I've never seen an actor use such exaggerated hand movements as he did in every appearance he ever made on celluloid. Worth the price of the box set alone to watch his performance!

I gave it 9 instead of 10 stars due to two things; the so called 'special features' are quite laughable, i.e. The opening credits without the theme tune, plus the fade to adverts being considered as worthy of inclusion when they are of a length of a minute if that. The booklet included cannot be read unless you possess the vision of Superman, bifocals or a magnifying glass, plus why show photographs in colour when the series is black and white? Having said that it is well worth buying; maybe it doesn't contain the stark realism of 'Z Cars' or the tough 'up and at 'em' style of 'The Sweeney' but nevertheless it is a series to cherish and while away those long winter's nights with.

*Although I derided the 'special features' on the first disc there is in fact, a very long stills gallery from the series on the second disk showing many of the actors and actresses plus scenes from the series plus a soundtrack of different music heard in the programme. If you love Scotland Yard type police series then this is the one for you; you'll be transported back to a world and London of the mid 60's.

if you appreciate well written and crafted police drama with an authentic and quality feel to it's production then Gideon's way is for you. I have spent many a moon searching for any videos of the 1960's TV series and have still only obtained around 6 of them!! John Gregson and Alexander Davion are excellent as the detectives out to solve some tricky crimes and criminals. Shot virtually always on location the series have a real taste of the times and are nicely set with believable and tasty villains. What a shame that the series have rarely been re run on present TV schedules. John Gregson, a sensitive and human actor as always, died suddenly in the early 1970s, his acting and valuable contribution to British films and TV remain a quality legacy for us to enjoy.Please would someone release the series on DVD/video!!