Sir Francis Drake

I am so pleased that (in the UK) the Talking Pictures channel is running the whole of this series. Like some of the other contributors I haven't seen them since I was a nipper but they must have made a big impression on my young mind as the music and sets are so familiar.

Its also fascinating to spot guest stars in early roles - Michael Anderson Jnr, Michael Crawford, Nanette Newman, David McCallum, Howard Lang, and of all people the bloke from 'Play School' Brian Cant who played a small part in one episode, to name but a few.

They don't make them like this anymore . . .

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.

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.

Two or three times in elementary school in Maryland in the early 1970's, we saw a half-hour black and white film about the round-the-world voyage of Sir Francis Drake. It had much better production values than the typical 16mm classroom film of the time and I always wondered where it came from.

Now I know -- it must have been an episode of this series. I'd love to see it and other episodes, especially since I now live in the state named after Queen Elizabeth I.