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 . . .

The best of the ITC historical series commissioned for ITV, Terence Morgan can actually act and makes the swordfencing exiting and seem more realistic than some of his contemporaries. Great to spot Michael Crawford and the big guy I remember from the St Bruno tobacco ads from the 60s and 70s amongst others. Altogether great entertainment when it was released and is still valid today.

I was one of those kids glued to the TV for every episode! It was my favorite show. I used to look forward to episodes with the ship in them, it was beautiful, to my 12 year old eyes it was real and certainly buckled my 'swash'! I remember the quality of each episode, as a kid, you were there! The acting, settings and costumes were excellent and convincing to me their target audience. Shortly after that we came to Australia where I joined the Royal Australian Navy! I just couldn't wait to get to sea. It made for some great times and great shipmates many of whom are still taking the 'mick' out of each other 35 years down the track. So Thank you to all concerned with the making of this excellent series. It made a difference in my life! PS I still sail a small sloop and still have the Airfix model of Drakes ship I made age 13 :-)

A series of 26 x half hour adventures imagining (mostly) the swashbuckling adventures of one of England's greatest sea-farers as he works to save his country and his Queen from the evil machinations of the Spaniards. Terence Morgan, in the title role, has some charisma and some skill at the swordplay; Jean Kent as the Queen looks regal enough, though her part is hardly taxing; and a regular supporting cast including Michael Crawford and Roger Delgado as the scheming Spanish Ambassador make for a fun historical romp with little regard to history but lots to action, costumes and, of course, romance! Like the "Adventures of Robin Hood" or "William Tell" etc.; these are good fun family tea-time dramas well worth a watch.

Though I was very young at the time, I remember this well acted,handsomely mounted"swashbuckler".It was probably one of my first sources for British history.,and not a bad one ,as all the episodes were well researched.