Out

Frank Ross is OUT!... and he wants revenge on whoever grassed to put him inside for eight years. This is the story of how he goes about this while rebuilding his relationships and keeping out of the clutches of the police who would be very happy to find a reason to send him back!

I had a memory of seeing this when it was originally shown in the 1970's, and I wasn't disappointed this time. Trevor Preston is one of the best writers for police and underworld drama from this time (Callan, The Sweeney) and since, and this is his personal masterpiece mini-series. The series comprises six fifty-minute episodes as now available on DVD without the original commercial breaks.

Television drama certainly hasn't moved on from this.

'OUT' is out on DVD (finally) and by public demand. The greatest ever TV series and staring the world class Tom Bell. The story is a simple revenge tale, concerning a bank robber (Frank) who emerges shell-shocked, after a six year term in jail. His mission is to find the grass who sent him and his gang away. Packed full of 'Sweeney' (hard man) type action and the most quotable lines; this one became an instant cult sensation. "Frank Ross is out!" and the rest, well is a glorious history.

I was 18 in 1978 so was old enough to watch this but I don't recall watching it.

I do remember lots of trailers on ITV about it.

This gangster/cop thing set in London.

I bought the dvd recently because it is the sort of thing I like and because my late brother used to go on about how much he loved this drama.

It is interesting from a historical point of view.

The acting and casting are good.

I think it would have been big budget for its time.

But I was slightly disappointed after 6 episodes.

Considering the legendary status of this drama I felt The BBC's Gangsters from the same era is much more ground breaking and watchable.

If you like The Sweeney or The Professionals you will like this.

I find that The Professionals stands up better over time than The Sweeney or this programme.

In a word, they just don't make them like this anymore and most likely couldn't even if they tried!

Tom Bell is brilliant as Frank Ross in 'Out' and if you haven't seen it your're in for a real treat. Credit also to the rest of the cast who also rate very highly and it's hard to pick out anybody in particular. There're all good.

Also, unlike, say 'A Touch of Frost' or 'Midsomer Murders' etc, the plot of 'Out' is fairly easy to understand and doesn't leave you wondering "what the hell is going on here"? as it twists and turns through various sub-plots!

Anyway, watching this gem a second or third time round is in for a treat not a trick! I'm getting my copy on DVD this week along with a case of lagers and I'm going to sit back and enjoy a real TV classic. (over 2 evenings of course...)

PS Also, about this time the BBC aired another great British 4 part crime thriller (90 minutes each) called 'Law and Order' and what an addition that would make to anybody's archive DVD collection of '70's TV offerings.

After forty years or more, I'm amazed at house much of this show I remember, from scenes to actual dialogue - it clearly made an impression. The story is very compelling, a London version of Get Carter, though it lacks the steely edge of that movie.

Unfortunately, in many ways it has dated badly. If this were ever to be broadcast on TV or some streaming service, it would need a warning "please note that this programme contains language and attitudes that may offend".

Despite these reservations, great to see it again, and Tom Bell was superb i every scene.