Mr. Palfrey of Westminster
Encyclopedia
Mr Palfrey of Westminster was a British
television drama which ran in 1984–85.
He is also a spook.
This series focused on the more cerebral than physical aspects of the espionage business. It was perhaps this lack of action that was regarded as its major drawback for the typically prime-time audience on Britain's then largest commercial TV channel, ITV
.
Two series in total were made in addition to the pilot
. The pilot, "The Traitor", by George Markstein, aired as part of Thames Television
's Storyboard anthology on 23 August 1983. Series 1 consisted of just four one-hour episodes, and first aired on Wednesday evenings from 9.00 to 10.00pm, 18 April to 9 May 1984. Series 2 consisted of six one-hour episodes and aired on Tuesdays, again from 9.00 to 10.00pm, 7 May to 11 June 1985. A subsequent play featuring Blair, "A Question of Commitment", by Philip Broadley, was first transmitted in the Storyboard anthology on 23 May 1989.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
television drama which ran in 1984–85.
Plot summary
Mr Palfrey is a mild, middle aged man—the epitome of a middle rank British Civil Servant.He is also a spook.
This series focused on the more cerebral than physical aspects of the espionage business. It was perhaps this lack of action that was regarded as its major drawback for the typically prime-time audience on Britain's then largest commercial TV channel, ITV
ITV1
ITV1 is a generic brand that is used by twelve franchises of the British ITV Network in the English regions, Wales, southern Scotland , the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. The ITV1 brand was introduced by Carlton and Granada in 2001, alongside the regional identities of their...
.
Two series in total were made in addition to the pilot
Television pilot
A "television pilot" is a standalone episode of a television series that is used to sell the show to a television network. At the time of its inception, the pilot is meant to be the "testing ground" to see if a series will be possibly desired and successful and therefore a test episode of an...
. The pilot, "The Traitor", by George Markstein, aired as part of Thames Television
Thames Television
Thames Television was a licensee of the British ITV television network, covering London and parts of the surrounding counties on weekdays from 30 July 1968 until 31 December 1992....
's Storyboard anthology on 23 August 1983. Series 1 consisted of just four one-hour episodes, and first aired on Wednesday evenings from 9.00 to 10.00pm, 18 April to 9 May 1984. Series 2 consisted of six one-hour episodes and aired on Tuesdays, again from 9.00 to 10.00pm, 7 May to 11 June 1985. A subsequent play featuring Blair, "A Question of Commitment", by Philip Broadley, was first transmitted in the Storyboard anthology on 23 May 1989.
Regular cast and characters
- Alec McCowenAlec McCowenAlexander Duncan "Alec" McCowen CBE is an English actor. He is known for his work in numerous film and stage productions. He was awarded the CBE in the 1985 New Year's Honours List.-Personal:...
as Mr Palfrey, the lead character, a WhitehallWhitehallWhitehall is a road in Westminster, in London, England. It is the main artery running north from Parliament Square, towards Charing Cross at the southern end of Trafalgar Square...
based spycatcher. - Briony McRobertsBriony McRobertsBriony McRoberts, , is a British actress.On television, she played 'Tessa Kilpin' in Episode 057 'No Stone' of The Professionals, and has also appeared in The Bill, Heartbeat, EastEnders, Taggart, and Diamonds...
as Caroline, Mr Palfrey's secretary - Clive WoodClive Wood-Film and television:Wood's first starring TV role was as Vic Brown, opposite Joanne Whalley and Susan Penhaligon, in the 1982 ITV drama series based on the novel A Kind of Loving. He has played Matt Kerr in Press Gang, DCI Gordon Wray in The Bill and Jack Morgan in London's Burning...
as Blair, Mr Palfrey's more action-orientated assistant - Caroline BlakistonCaroline BlakistonCaroline Blakiston is an English actress who has appeared predominantly in television roles, notably in the series Brass. She also appeared as Mon Mothma in the science fiction film Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi...
as The Coordinator, head of espionage activities for the British Government