“The Saint” (1962-1969)

Television Series

One hundred and eighteen Episodes

Created by: Leslie Charteris

Featuring: Roger Moore

When “The Saint” plays with fire…other people get burned! 

“The Saint” is a British television series that aired from 1962 to 1969, featuring Roger Moore in the iconic role of Simon Templar. The series is based on the literary character created by Leslie Charteris, a suave and sophisticated thief with a strong moral code. Known as “The Saint” due to his initials, Simon Templar travels the world, righting wrongs and bringing justice to those who deserve it.

Roger Moore’s portrayal of Simon Templar is both charming and charismatic, embodying the perfect mix of elegance and roguish charm. The character operates on the fringes of the law, often engaging in morally ambiguous activities for a greater good. Throughout the series, Templar finds himself embroiled in various international adventures, involving espionage, crime-solving, and outsmarting villains.

The series is episodic, with each episode presenting a new adventure or mystery. The recurring theme is Templar’s fight against corruption, crime, and injustice, often with a flair for outwitting both the villains and the authorities. The show features a rotating cast of guest stars, including some notable names of the time, which keeps each episode fresh and engaging.

“The Saint” is notable for its sleek production values and stylish presentation. The series captures the essence of the 1960s with its glamorous locations, sophisticated fashion, and a jazzy, memorable theme tune composed by Edwin Astley. The show’s visual style, characterized by its use of exotic locales and elaborate set designs, contributes to its enduring appeal.

One of the series’ hallmarks is the iconic stick figure logo, a simple yet instantly recognizable representation of Templar with a halo above his head. This logo appears at the beginning of each episode, setting the tone for the adventures to follow.

Roger Moore’s performance as Simon Templar is widely regarded as one of the defining roles of his career. His portrayal is a perfect blend of sophistication, wit, and action-hero prowess. Moore’s ability to convey both the light-hearted and serious aspects of Templar’s character makes him a relatable and likable protagonist.

Moore’s charm and on-screen presence helped cement “The Saint” as a cultural icon and paved the way for his later success as James Bond. His effortless transition between moments of humor and tension showcases his versatility as an actor, making Simon Templar a memorable and enduring character in the spy genre.

“The Saint” left a lasting impact on popular culture, influencing subsequent spy and adventure series. It was among the early shows that depicted a sophisticated, globe-trotting hero, setting a template for future television and film protagonists. The show’s success also contributed to the popularity of spy fiction during the 1960s, a decade that saw the rise of other iconic series like “The Avengers” and “Mission: Impossible.”

“The Saint” weaves a tapestry of varied storylines, making each episode a unique and standalone adventure. The episodic format allows for a broad range of scenarios, from solving complex mysteries and thwarting international criminals to engaging in high-stakes espionage and rescuing damsels in distress. This variety keeps the series fresh and engaging, appealing to a wide audience with its mix of action, suspense, and occasional comedy.

Simon Templar’s methods often blur the lines between legality and morality. He employs his skills in disguise, deception, and combat to outwit adversaries, recover stolen goods, and expose corruption. Despite his criminal past, Templar’s actions are driven by a strong sense of justice, making him a complex and compelling character who operates according to his own code of ethics.

One of the standout features of “The Saint” is its impressive roster of guest stars. The series attracted many prominent actors of the time, including future stars and established performers. This rotating cast of characters added depth and variety to the show, with each episode introducing new faces and challenges for Templar to tackle.

Notable guest stars included Honor Blackman, Donald Sutherland, and Julie Christie, among others. Their performances added an extra layer of intrigue and excitement, enhancing the overall quality of the show. The interactions between Simon Templar and the various guest characters often provided some of the series’ most memorable moments.

Visually, “The Saint” stands out for its sleek and stylish production. The show made extensive use of on-location filming, which added an authentic and glamorous feel to Templar’s globe-trotting adventures. Whether in the bustling streets of London, the sun-drenched Riviera, or exotic locales in the Middle East, the series’ settings were always vibrant and visually appealing.

The fashion in “The Saint” is another highlight, with Simon Templar’s wardrobe reflecting his sophisticated and debonair persona. From tailored suits to casual chic attire, Templar’s style became iconic, influencing fashion trends of the era. The series’ attention to detail in costume and set design contributed to its overall aesthetic appeal.

The music of “The Saint” played a crucial role in establishing its mood and tone. Edwin Astley’s iconic theme tune, with its jazzy and upbeat rhythm, became synonymous with the series. The theme’s catchy melody and dynamic arrangement perfectly captured the adventurous spirit of Simon Templar. The background scores and musical cues throughout the episodes were equally effective in enhancing the suspense and excitement of the narrative.

“The Saint” has left an indelible mark on the spy and adventure genre, both on television and in film. Its influence can be seen in the development of later spy franchises, including the James Bond series, where Roger Moore would eventually take on the role of 007. The character of Simon Templar, with his charm, wit, and resourcefulness, set a standard for future action heroes.

The series also inspired several adaptations, including films and a 1997 TV movie starring Val Kilmer. Despite these attempts to revive the franchise, the original series remains the definitive portrayal of Simon Templar, largely due to Roger Moore’s charismatic performance.

In addition to its entertainment value, “The Saint” also reflected and contributed to the cultural zeitgeist of the 1960s. The series embodied the era’s fascination with espionage, international intrigue, and the glamorous lifestyles of the rich and adventurous. It captured the spirit of a time when the world was rapidly changing, and the allure of exotic travel and sophisticated heroes was at its peak.

“The Saint” is a classic television series that continues to be celebrated for its stylish presentation, engaging plots, and Roger Moore’s charismatic performance. Its blend of action, intrigue, and humor, set against the backdrop of 1960s glamour, makes it a timeless piece of entertainment. For fans of spy adventures and classic television, “The Saint” is a must-watch series that showcases the best of what the genre has to offer.