The Odd Man

I have never actually met anyone who watched this series, although it appeared in the most popular programme ratings of 1963. I loved it. Reeking film-noir atmosphere, interesting, powerful characters. Keith Barron, Sarah Lawson and Edwin Richfield produced a tangible on-screen chemistry which felt 'real'. William Mervyn's upper-crust Inspector Rose was a good contrast to the other three. I believe only one episode has survived: the tapes were wiped clean for re-use, I'm told.

I used to watch this series religiously as a young teenager. The characters were all very well played, with the pompous Inspector Rose (the late William Mervyn), Det. Sgt. Swift (played by Keith Barron) and Steve Gardiner (the late Edwin Richfield). The sex-appeal supplied by the likes of Sarah Lawson, Judy Parfitt and Amanda Reiss.

The series must have had a great effect on me as it is one of the few programs that I can still recall from over 40 years ago. It must have been on Friday nights, as we didn't have television at home and I only got to watch it when we were visiting an elderly aunt, which we always did on Fridays.

Both William Mervyn and Edwin Litchfield sadly passed away in their 60s. Keith Barron continues to entertain us, but whatever happened to Christopher Quinee (South)? I can't recall ever seeing him in anything after The Odd Man.

I'm sure it would seem very dated today, as we have become used to the slick production and amazing special effects of modern-day police series.