Gideon's Way

You may be interested to know that all 26 episodes of the series have been released on DVD by Granada (UK) (about October 2005). It is superb although' it appears that some of the original films haven't stood up to the passage of time but this does not detract from the viewing. I vaguely remember the original TV showing of these in the mid-60s and the series benefits from getting out of the studio. However, the public standing at the roadside watching the action can be a little distracting. I was given the set as a Christmas (2005) present so I haven't managed to get thru' them all yet but so far it appears that they stick closely to the segments from the original novels on which the episodes are based. In this regard, however, I am disappointed that Gideon's right hand men in the books (Bell & Lematre) do not play the same role in the series. I don't remember 'David Keen' from the books! Given the success of 'Heartbeat' (which dallies from time to time as a police series), I wonder if the series could be re-made today? (John Creasey as) J.J. Marric's novels ran to 26 (including 4 by Vivian Butler) and the series only really used about the first half dozen or thereabouts so there is a lot of scope to take the series on from those days. Of course, the backdrop of London in the mid-60s is no longer there. Who would you cast in the title role? Would it work now in these days of instant ratings success? Anyway, it was a great series, both in its' day and now on DVD.

Strangely the sequence of episodes on the DVDs follow the filming dates and NOT the transmission dates.

For anyone interested in Scotland Yard, London of the 60's and a veritable conveyor belt of some of the best British character actors, this box set is a must have. Starring the ever likable John Gregson as Commander George Gideon (who never monopolises the story lines) and the handsome Alexander Davion as Det. Inspector David Keen this takes you back to the era of run down streets, policemen still visible on those streets, old cars, motor scooters, pork pie hats and ersatz Rock 'n Roll. Amongst those appearing are George Cole, Ray Barratt, Harry Fowler, George Sewell, Justine Lord, Victor Maddern, Sydney Tafler, Ray Brooks, Jack Hedley, Angela Douglas, Patrick Allen, Eric Barker, Alfie Bass, Bryan Pringle, Ann Lynn and an extremely young looking John Hurt and a rarity for the time, just one token American in Donald Sutherland. A mention also for the magnificent Derren Nesbitt who turns up in the first episode 'The Tin God', I've never seen an actor use such exaggerated hand movements as he did in every appearance he ever made on celluloid. Worth the price of the box set alone to watch his performance!

I gave it 9 instead of 10 stars due to two things; the so called 'special features' are quite laughable, i.e. The opening credits without the theme tune, plus the fade to adverts being considered as worthy of inclusion when they are of a length of a minute if that. The booklet included cannot be read unless you possess the vision of Superman, bifocals or a magnifying glass, plus why show photographs in colour when the series is black and white? Having said that it is well worth buying; maybe it doesn't contain the stark realism of 'Z Cars' or the tough 'up and at 'em' style of 'The Sweeney' but nevertheless it is a series to cherish and while away those long winter's nights with.

*Although I derided the 'special features' on the first disc there is in fact, a very long stills gallery from the series on the second disk showing many of the actors and actresses plus scenes from the series plus a soundtrack of different music heard in the programme. If you love Scotland Yard type police series then this is the one for you; you'll be transported back to a world and London of the mid 60's.

For years, Edwin Astley's theme song from Gideon's Way stuck in my mind. I remembered it as well as John Gregson's splendid performance as the show's title character. Imagine my delight at finding Gideon's Way on DVD. Although produced over forty years ago, the show is as compelling as any recent TV offering. I think John Gregson captures the essence of the character he plays. He's surrounded by a solid supporting cast and guest stars like a very young John Hurt. The black and white photography is an asset to the programme; it gives Gideon's Way a gritty realism. Some of the prints used for the DVD seem a bit soft, but all are watchable. Movies and TV shows that survive as more than quaint time capsules do so because they are still relevant in some way. The human drama of Gideon's Way proves this.

Long forgotten police drama series featuring the cases and adventures of honest family man copper Inspector Gideon.All the hallmarks of its production company are there,such as easily digestible stories that had an international appeal and production values that were head and shoulders above the well remembered police series of that day such as 'Z Cars' and 'Dixon Of Dock Green'. Shot entirely on film it was possibly one of the first British police series to escape the studio and use extensive location filming. TV stations have prejudice against shows made in black and white so consequently this has probably not been on TV since its first or second showing?

With the arrival of the box set of Gideons Way, hopefully more people will get a view of the superb John Gregson. Jack Hawkins played Gideon in a very flaccid film directed by John Ford. As much as I love Jack Hawkins, John Gregson is the definitive George Gideon. The series really does evoke England of the sixties and there is a multitude of famous names cropping up in this series. John Gregson was a superb actor and he is largely forgotten now 30 years after his death in Porlock Weir. With this box set and his appearances in Genevieve and Rooney perhaps now people will realise how good he was. There is a web site showcasing the great man designed by his great nephew http://www.johngregson.org.uk/. John Gregson is George Gideon but George Gideon is the great John Gregson