The Mind of Mr. J.G. Reeder

Edgar Wallace never fails to absorb me into his crime stories, but The Mind of J G Reeder is the ultimate crime mystery detective. To those who don't know him, he looks like he's yet to really step into the 1920's (the era in which the stories are set), is henpecked by his overbearing housekeeper, Mrs Houchin (played with Celtic gusto by Mona Bruce) and arrogant boss, Sir Jason Toovey (played to a tee by the inimitable Willoughby Goddard) and lives only for his work, with the occasional break for tea, gardening and theatre. Yet this humble man strikes fear into every London criminal be they Dockland thug or Aristocratic Conman, because Reeder has a criminal mind and thus sees evil in everything. It's this trait which gets him his quarry each time. Although Hugh Burden as the titular character is superb, the acting by many of the supporting cast is amateurish to say the least. Aside from this, the series represents quality absorbing entertainment from an era long since dead. If you love crime murder mystery at its finest, go out, buy the set, and be thrilled.

Series one of this programme was made before July 1969 and as ITV (in this case Thames Television) and BBC1 only transmitted in black and white it was produced in monochrome.

Series 2 was made in 1971. At this time ITV had a technician strike regarding working the new colour cameras. As such many programmes were recorded in Black and White until the dispute was resolved. Upstairs Downstairs was similarly affected. (London Weekend Television).

I think this late 1960s series captures the feeling of the 1920s depicted. Of course, it may misreprent history, but it creates a convincing account that is great entertainment.

Mr JG Reeder is not your average crime fighter, he's not a Policeman, nor a Private Detective, he's a Civil Servant, more accurately and employee of The Department of Public Prosecutions.

Hugh Burden is wonderful in the role, Reeder is unassuming, mild mannered, and quite literally The Perfect English Gentleman, but underneath his politeness he's brave, with a razor sharp mind and an unshakable desire for justice.

Others have commented on their disappointment that only two episodes were made in colour, I would personally say I favour the black and white episodes, the tone somehow works a little better, I also feel that colour exposes a few of the sets as being very obviously sets, the black and white filming masks such issues.

The acting is generally very good, Burden is wonderful, Willoughby Goddard is just wonderful as his overbearing boss, Sir Jason Toovey, a performance and charisma larger than his frame, his facial expressions are a joy, very funny.

The episodes are generally of a very high standard, though my personal favourite is The Green Mamba, it's excellent. I cannot comment on the accuracy of the stories as I haven't read the books, I should.

Well worth your time. 9/10

Mr JG Reeder is the diametric opposite of Sam Spade, Philip Marlow and Mike Hammer. He is a shabbily dressed, diffident civil servant who prefers a cup of tea and a slice of seed cake to a shot of something stronger.

Despite his outward appearance - of course - Reeder is a master detective with a razor sharp brain. In fact his mind gives him great cause for sorrow. He has, he claims, a criminal mind which allows him insight into motive and method denied to other men.

These stories were well-presented (sadly in black and white) and Hugh Burden had the part of a life-time as Reeder, well supported by Willoughby Goddard as his expansive (in more ways than one) chief, Jason Toovey.

Worth a video release for nostalgia buffs.