Randall And Hopkirk (deceased) Episode Guide

Episode Categories:

Plot: A bit obvious, really
Scenes to Rewind For: Excellent bits worth watching again
Scenes to Fast-Forward Past: Every series has 'em. Even this one!
Fashion Victims: Let's face it, it was the Sixties; and there are some pretty awful examples here.
Now There's A Novelty: Something in the episode which you don't see today... an empty London street for example.
Death Toll: It's a dangerous world, so they say, and if you're in an ITC series, don't expect your life expectancy to increase!
That Face Looks Familiar: Well, just about anybody who's anybody has turned up in here, and we've noted it.
Double Entendres: Every series has 'em, and there are some real gems here.
Jeff Gets Creamed: This is a record of how many times Jeff gets beaten up in this particular episode.
Continuity: This is where stuff like mentions of relatives and abilities of our favourite spectre are recorded.
Notes: Any gaffs or general observations about the episode.

NB: Episodes are listed in transmission order as opposed to video release order.

Skip to:

My Late, Lamented Friend and Partner

A Disturbing Case

All Work and No Pay

Never Trust a Ghost

That's How Murder Snowballs

Just For The Record

Murder Ain't What It Used To Be

Whoever Heard of a Ghost Dying?

The House On Haunted Hill

When Did You Start To Stop Seeing Things?

Episode 1: 'My Late, Lamented Friend And Partner'
First Transmitted: September 21st, 1969 at 7.25pm
Directed by: Cyril Frankel Screenplay: Ralph Smart

Quotes:

Plot: Fay Sorrenson (Anne Sharp) receives photographic evidence from Jeff Randall that proves her husband is busy womanising. It is enough for her to be able to divorce him and take her father's business with her. She requests Jeff's presence the next morning at a meeting with her solicitor; but Jeff has gone away and Marty Hopkirk has to fill in for him instead. Meanwhile, her husband, John Sorrenson (Frank Windsor), is arranging for his estranged wife's death...
Marty arrives the next morning, and duly waits for Fay to finish her bath. Suddenly, there is a terrible scream from upstairs. Dashing up, Marty finds Fay in the bath, dead. An electric wire retracts from its hole in the wall and an electrician's van drives off. The doctor arrives at the scene and proclaims heart attack as cause of death. Marty isn't convinced, and inspects the hole in the window, then goes on to ask the children who were playing outside what they saw. It doesn't take much to confirm Marty's suspicion of foul play.
On his way home to Jean, however, Marty is killed by a hit-and-run driver. Jeff is devastated at the loss of his friend, so when he starts getting phone calls from someone claiming to be Marty, he is understandably sceptical. He attempts to record the conversation, but only his voice is recorded on the tape! The night porter adds to Jeff's quandary by insisting he hadn't put any calls through that night.
At 4am, Jeff finds himself at the cemetery, haven driven there in a trance. It is there he comes face to face with his dead partner dressed in a white suit. Cold and baffled, Jeff hears from Marty that his death was not accidental. There is no time for elaboration as dawn arrives, and Marty disappears to the ancient rhyme:

"Afore the sun arise anew,
Each ghost unto his grave must go."

He also tells Jeff that only he can see and hear him - that he chose him to be the only one. Jeff follows up a few leads, and visits Happy Lee (Dolores Mantez), who supposedly owned the car that ran Marty down. She gives him the name of a beatnik named Hendy (Ronald Lacy). Jeff trails Hendy for a while, then returns to Jean's apartment only to be scowled at by the ghostly Marty. They both go to a seedy hotel where the beatnik is staying, and Jeff suggests that Marty use his ghostly abilities to sneak around in his room. Marty concentrates, and manages to pass through the wall to see Hendy lying in wait behind the door. Creating a distraction, Jeff gets in and is able to overpower and interrogate Hendy. The assassin is found - gassed. Marty recognises him as the 'electrician.'
The two detectives set up a trap. Jeff calls Sorrenson and demands £25,000 to keep quiet about the murders. As expected, Sorrenson calls his hitmen. But dawn is beginning to break, and Marty is anxious to go, remembering another part of the rhyme:

"Cursed be the ghost who dares to stay,
And face the awful light of day."

Jeff persuades him to stay, however, and with his help they capture the assassins as well as Sorrenson. Marty, happy his murderers have been caught, goes back to the cemetery, only to have the grave reject him! It is then he recalls the rest of the rhyme:

"Ye shall not to the grave return,
"Until a hundred years be gone."

So Marty is stranded on Earth for 100 years; and offers to help Jeff with his cases and also keep an eye on his widow Jean.
Scenes to Rewind For: Jeff's first encounter with the deceased Marty in the cemetery at four in the morning: "You're not dead!" "Of course I'm dead!" "Then you're a ghost?" "I suppose I am, really."
Jeff's search for the beatnik results in Marty discovering he can glide through walls; Marty realising he can't return to his grave anymore: "It rejected me!"
Fashion Victims: The beatnik; Jeff Randall's jacket (which he wears throughout the series)
Death Toll: 2; Fay Sorrenson and (get out the hankies) Marty Hopkirk *wibble*

Episode 2: 'A Disturbing Case'
First Transmitted: September 28th, 1969 at 7.25pm
Directed by: Ray Austin Screenplay: Mike Pratt & Ian Wilson

Quotes: "This'll be the death of me." - Marty, trying to guide Jeff out of the mental hospital.

Plot: Jeff's car is stolen and used in an unusual robbery where a telephone call prompts a wealthy man to hand all his valuables over to a visitor. Meantime, unaware of Marty's ghostly presence, Jeannie and her visiting sister Jennifer (Judith Arthy) are concerned when they catch Jeff apparently talking to himself, and seek medical help, only for Jeff to end up in the care of the Lambert Clinic run by a Dr. Conrad (David Bauer). An alarmed Marty soon discovers that the doctor is using hypnosis to make wealthy patients co-operate with the burglaries - and also to edit Marty from Jeff's mind! Controlled by Doctor Conrad's voice alone, Marty has to mimic his voice to order Jeff, in a hypnotic trance, to break out of the hospital and to the next house to be burgled. Instructing Jeff to believe he is a karate expert, Randall lays the burglars out cold, and comes around to find bodies everywhere and himself in his nightclothes - and leaves Inspector Nelson (Michael Griffiths) and a bemused Whitty (William Mervyn) to clean up.
Scenes to Rewind For: It's hard to say; this has got to be the funniest episode of the lot, and I still giggle outrageously at Marty instructing Jeff to "Pick up ze phone," in Doctor Conrad's voice (dubbed over Ken Cope's afterwards) and the fight scenes are hilarious. One to watch over and over.
Fashion Victims: Jeff's nightgown. Oh dear.
Death Toll: None; this *is* a mystery!!
Continuity: Marty can imitate voices fairly accurately.

Episode 3: 'All Work And No Pay'
First Transmitted: October 5th, 1969 at 7.25pm
Directed by: Jeremy Summers Screenplay: Donald James

Quotes: The pawnbroker to Jeff: "Bit of a technical problem here."
"Technical?"
"You see, we're not actually registered as a charity."
Marty outlines the trio's predicament: "Randall, Hopkirk and Hopkirk... all deceased!"

Plot: Jean Hopkirk is understandably scared witless when her furniture begins flying round her apartment faster than Linford Christie on a sugar rush. Fleeing, she tumbles into Jeff's car as he arrives on the scene - and a spooky black Rolls Royce leaves. She tells him that she's had this feeling "for some time now...that Marty is trying to contact me." Naturally Marty assures Jeff she is wrong, stating that he wouldn't try to hurt Jean by throwing her ceramics everywhere just to contact her! Yet she remains convinced of Marty's presence and becomes involved with the Foster brothers, spiritualists who claim to be able to assist them and in return help her gain contact with Marty.
The firm's financial position is dire as always, leading Jean to accept a job with the Fosters, (Alfred Burke and Dudley Foster) and Jeff, in his desperation, pays an alcoholic actress (Adrienne Cori) to approach the Fosters in the role of a wealthy widow trying to trace a long-lost son in an attempt to persuade Jean that, with the commission she will get for introducing a new client, she can still make money working for Jeff. Laura however only gives Jean £25 out of the £200 Jeff gave her, further annoying him. Laura on the other hand is told by the Foster brothers that she is to become their contact on the other side to bring Marty Hopkirk back to speak to his wife.
Marty sees one of the pair placing Laura's clothes in the furnace and fears they have carried out their threat. Jean arrives and it appears they are to be next - "Randall, Hopkirk and Hopkirk - all deceased!" panics Marty. In a specially rigged room, the Foster brothers wreak havoc on Jeff and Jean. Luckily, Marty is able to save the day by blowing the fuses at the local power station and the two escape. Upon opening his car, who should Jeff find on the back seat but Laura, wrapped in newspaper! She managed to escape the clutches of the Fosters by swimming across the lake, discarding her clothes along the way. She promises to pay back the money she owes Jeff, but Marty quips, "Tomorrow? You shouldn't believe everything you see in a newspaper, Jeff."
Scenes to Rewind For: Scene in the launderette where Jeff is eating his lunch in what was once considered bachelor style, but is now more associated with students; the final scene in the Foster's house where Jeff enacts the report of Marty's induced power-cut that took out a good area of the city.
Scenes to Fast-Forward past: More strings in this than a Thunderbirds episode! The first scene with the moving vases etc. is a bit cringeworthy, but the flying swords later on make up for it.
Fashion Victims: Jean's shirt and yellow flares; Laura in newspaper; Jeff's naff crockery.
Death Toll: Zilch! Zero! Nada! Nothing! Diddly squat! Not a - (yes, I think we get the idea...)
Continuity: It's said in the launderette scene that it's been six or seven years since Marty was a bachelor himself. Yikes, I'd love to see someone try and come up with a coherent timeline for this thing... a year passes in the first seven episodes!
Notes: A boom mike shadow appears on Laura Watson's wall at one point.

Episode 4: 'Never Trust A Ghost'
First Transmitted: October 12th, 1969 at 7:25pm
Directed by: Leslie Norman Screenplay: Tony Williamson

Quotes: A sultry Marty: "What sort of relationship have we got?"
"A posthumous one, not recognised by law!"
Jeff is interrupted in mid-conquest again: "Get rid of her!" yelps the ghost.
"Do me a favour, Marty. Get lost!"
Marty tries to convince Jeff what he has seen is real: "But it explains everything! Why the woman was covering up, why she phoned the police - "
"I don't care if it explains why the Marie Celeste was abandoned by all hands in a calm sea!
I don't - want to know!"
Girl to Jeff: "All right, you think things over and then - drop dead!"

Plot: Wandering the streets of London one night, Marty witnesses a man being shot dead in his own home! He alerts a sleepy Jeff, giving a perfect description of the victim - even giving a name - James Howarth. Inspector Clayton arrives at the scene and is not amused to discover that Howarth's wife Karen assures him everything is all right and that her husband is alive and well, as he appears himself to corroborate the story. As a result, Howarth threatens to sue Jeff, but Marty is convinced that there's something not quite right and talks Jeff into a second visit to the house to 'apologise.' While Jeff is speaking to Karen Howarth, Marty looks around the house and comes across the assassin in the study who he later learns is named Rawlins (Philip Madoc). He alerts Jeff, who forces his way into the study, but there is no sign of Rawlins.
Thoroughly annoyed and disillusioned with the spectre, Jeff is not pleased to discover that the Howarths have complained again to the police and Clayton is threatening to arrest him. On the verge of quitting the case altogether, he receives a mystery phone call that advises him to do just that. This only serves to pique Jeff's innate curiosity, even more so when Marty pops up with the news that there are two bodies in the basement - the Howarth's! The two people they have been talking to are apparently imposters.
Jeff agrees to break into the house but, again, the bodies have vanished, and to make matters even worse, he is caught in the act and reported to the police a third time. Fleeing, Jeff coaxes Jean into being his alibi, although it means her being found in a rather compromising position with him when the police arrive. Jeff approaches a ghost expert, Dr. Plevitt (Brian Oulton), certain that Marty is seeing things. Plevitt explains that ghosts live in a fantasy world, populated by figments of their imaginations. The message therefore is simple - "Never trust a ghost!"
So when Marty next appears to warn Jeff his life is in danger, Jeff ignores his friends advice - with almost deadly consequences when Rawlins pays him a visit. Finally he is swung to Marty's explanation that he is being framed for the murder of the Howarths; the real James Howarth being in charge of salaries for British Intelligence agents. Now he is dead, the criminals have access to microfilm containing the agents' names and operating zones, lethal information in the wrong hands.
Marty contacts Plevitt, who can see him, but refuses to contact the police until he has undergone a series of 'tests,' which a reluctant and frustrated Marty passes with flying colours. True to the deal, Plevitt telephones Scotland Yard and the imposters are arrested in the nick of time.
Scenes to Rewind For: Marty's first search of the basement; Marty's reaction to seeing Jean in Jeff's bed; the test scene with the parasychologist - "Hot." "Cold." "Up." "Down." "Wife." "Husband." "Knife." "Fork." "Big." "Small." "Remarkable!" A sarcastic Marty: "Fantastic."
Scenes to Fast-Forward Past: The bit near the end where the 'Howarths' pull off their disguises and Jeff says, "So that's how you did it!" Ugh...
Fashion Victims: 'Mrs Howarth' apparently sleeps with her make-up on.
Death Toll: 2; the original Howarths.
That Face Looks Familiar: It's Philip Madoc as the nasty piece of work Rawlins. Some things never change ;-)
Continuity: It's established that ghosts don't need sleep, as is seen by Marty's walkabout at night. Marty can also operate a typewriter at this point, and it's said that it's impossible for a ghost to lie (no motive). Exaggerate, omit, play down, but never lie :-)
Now There's A Novelty: They're not using the green-and-white interior this week!

Episode 5: 'That's How Murder Snowballs'
First Transmitted: October 19th, 1969 at 7:25pm
Directed by: Paul Dickson Screenplay: Ray Austin

Quotes: Marty reassures a nervous Jeff waiting in the wings for their performance;
"Well, I can hardly die a death, can I?"

Plot: Attending a night out at the music hall, Jeff and Jean are witnessing a 'Russian roulette' act by a mindreader and his assistant. A member of the audience is asked to load the gun with one live cartridge and one blank. The routine has been repeated over and over without incident but this time the live cartridge is in the wrong chamber and the mindreader, Fernandez (Tony Thawton), is shot dead in front of the entire audience.
His partner, Abel (David Jason) is immediately the prime suspect, but Jeff isn't sure that a bigger billing is sufficient motive for a murder, especially since Fernandez's last words were, "He said he would kill me..." - but who? And who switched the cartridges? The audience member was a woman, and she cannot be traced.
Marty hatches a plan for Jeff to get him close to those working at the music hall - to audition with Marty assisting of course, as a one man mind-reading act. Impressed, he is hired and the man in charge of the auditions says, "Yes... very good," prompting Marty to retort, "Good? It's brilliant!"
Jeff is now able to speak with the other members of the company, among them the singer Gloria Marsh (Grazina Frame) and choreographer Kim (Stuart Hoyle).
Jeff finds some newspaper clippings in Fernandez's room that shed some light on the situation - the deceased man was exonerated from blame after knocking down and killing a man in his car.
Questioning Gloria, he learns that her marriage to Fernandez was in name only, and that he was blackmailing her - it was she who was driving the car the night of the accident. Kim also appears to be more than friends with Gloria, but before Jeff can make any headway, Gloria is found battered to death and a stage hand is brutally stabbed after discovering a strange figure rummaging through the props. The final victim is a girl dancer.
The police decide to re-enact the last performance of Fernandez on stage, with Abel assisting. He tells them he always positioned himself at the end of the seventh row, which is where the murderer must have been sitting. The proceedings are interrupted by gunfire coming from the upper circle, and a chase ensues whereupon the 'murderess' is unmasked. It is not a woman at all - it is Kim, the choreographer!
Scenes to Rewind For: Jeff and Marty's 'mindreading act,' and Marty's moments of madness with the chorus line.
Scenes to Fast-Forward Past: The mindreader's death scene in the opening moments.
Fashion Victims: The dancers, Kim (everything).
Death Toll: 3 - Fernandez, Gloria, a stage hand.
Double Entendres: Marty: "Let's have a look at Gloria's legs!"
Jeff Gets Creamed: On only one occasion!
That Face Looks Familiar: Only Fools and Horses star David Jason is here!
Now There's A Novelty: Wow, a second week without the green and white interior! This is serious - but wait, there's an old-fashioned poster (Daly's) on the audition room wall that pops up again in Jean's apartment.

Episode 6: 'Just For The Record'
First Transmitted: 26th October, 1969 at 7:25pm
Directed by: Jeremy Summers Screenplay: Donald James

Quotes: "I'm willing to abdicate...in your favour." - Pargiter

Plot: Jeff and Jean decide to act as escorts for two contestants in an international beauty contest. Jean is given the task of looking after Anne Soames (Olivia Hamnett), the entrant of Miss London, while Jeff has to chaperone Miss Moscow (Jan Rossini).
While Jeff attempts to get cosy with his assignment, Jean has to find something to interest Miss London, who has seen practically everything in her own city. Oddly, Miss Soames suggests visiting the Public Records Office - specifically the annexe where all the most ancient documents such as the Magna Carta are kept. Marty, intrigued, decides to follow them there.
While Jean and Miss Soames inspect the replica documents, a man masquerading as a press photographer turns up. Marty senses something suspect, especially when Miss London is given a pair of spectacles to hold when posing for the photos... spectacles with a knife edge that Marty witnesses Soames use to cut the alarm cable with while the others are distracted.
Prising Jeff away from his bewildered charge, Marty discloses what he has seen and his suspicion that Soames is in league with Pargiter (Ronald Radd). But as there were no witnesses, and Jeff was not there, it seems pointless telling the police. Instead, Jeff confronts Miss London at the hotel, only to be knocked out with a hairbrush. She escapes to warn Pargiter and his heavies, Dorking (Nosher Powell) and Surrey (Danny Green).
Unfortunately for her, far from stealing important valuable documents, the nutty Pargiter has simply stolen records that he believes establishes his rightful claim to the throne! Randall, with Hopkirk in tow, traces Soames to a warehouse where she has been tied up. Jeff is also caught and strung up into the rafters of the building with Miss Soames, whereupon the warehouse is set alight. Marty manages to set off the fire alarm and the two are rescued. The two detectives leave to catch up with Pargiter, who gives up without a struggle after a boat and car chase along the Thames.
Scenes to Rewind For: Marty's gallant efforts to peel Jeff away from Miss Moscow, and Jeff's resulting foul mood; Miss Soames' brave attempt at beating the daylights out of the two henchmen with her handbag; Marty sitting on the roof of Jeff's car as it drives along the Thames embankment looking for the boat with Pargiter on board; Jeff's car door handles almost scraping the tarmac as it takes a corner on two wheels.
Scenes to Fast-Forward Past: Unless you know the pre-credit sequence is a Mission: Impossible take-off, then you'll probably fall asleep.
Fashion Victims: ALL the beauty contest entrants!
Death Toll: 0
Jeff Gets Creamed: Twice
Double Entendres: "I'll come, Jeff, I'll come!" (This is terrible, I know. Cover your eyes.)
Continuity: Marty can shatter glass if he concentrates hard enough, to the extent of setting off fire alarms.
Notes: Stock footage alert! There's some bad CSO shots where Jeff, Marty and Miss Moscow on the bridge looking over to the Houses of Parliament.Oh yes, and we're back to the green/white interior again, only with lots of green potted plants.

Episode 7: 'Murder Ain't What It Used To Be!'
First Transmitted: November 2nd, 1969
Directed by: Jeremy Summers Screenplay: Tony Williamson

Quotes: Jeff to a paranoid Marty: "Is it a full moon or have you been at the incense again?"
A gangster-style Marty, replete with tommy-gun and cigar in the back of Jeff's car:
"Right Randall, now here's the deal. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. And tell that broad to button 'er lip, otherwise...I'll fill yer full a'lead!"

Plot: Ageing gangster Paul Kirstner (Alan Gifford) visits his family in Britain only to receive a cold shoulder from his daughter Susan (Sue Gerrard), who is resentful of his negligent attitude to her in previous years as well as being suspicious of his background. It soon turns out that his rival, Bugsy Spanio (David Healy), in ghost form, has followed him as he has done since his demise in the Roaring Twenties.
Jeff Randall is hired by Kirstner to protect Susan from the wily spectre of Bugsy who has been trying to kill him for years. Unfortunately Bugsy is one step ahead and has seen the perfect opportunity to fulfill his dying wish - to get rid of Kirstner by exploiting the unique relationship between Marty and Jeff. Marty first sees Bugsy in his wife's apartment, coming out of her bedroom - thus sending the jealous ghost into a panic. He only discovers Bugsy is a fellow spectre when he demands his help and demonstrates a few of his powers gained from such a long stint trying to kill Kirstner. He threatens to "really fix that dame of yours" if Marty refuses to help him in his plan.
Jean and Susan, at Jeff's behest, stay together so he can keep an eye on the pair of them. Marty meantime is feeling intimidated by Bugsy's greater experience and wide repertoire of tricks. It appears that poor Marty stands no chance of defending the girls from him, and as another complication, Jeff, Susan and Jean are under the scrutiny of another of Kirstner's rivals, albeit a living one, named Lacey (Raymond Adamson) who is also hell-bent on revenge.
Lacey holds the trio at gunpoint as Kirstner approaches the house; so Marty has to create a diversion - and picks a fight with Bugsy by punching the other ghost in the stomach and stamping on his foot! Naturally furniture and breakable objects begin flying around the room, as the four take cover and Kirstner manages to overpower Lacey. Jeff realises the stories about Kirstner's double-dealing and cold-blooded murders were true when Kirstner plans to execute Lacey in the garden outside. As Kirstner takes aim, however, Bugsy manifests himself holding a white machine gun, distracting him long enough for Lacey to fire to fatal effect. Bugsy can now finally rest in peace and has apparently taught Marty a few new tricks, as he puffs on a celebratory cigar.
Scenes to Rewind For: Marty's first encounter with Bugsy, fully believing Jean has got herself a new boyfriend; the scene where Marty first goes hand-to-hand with Bugsy; the final confrontation where Marty gets to win by playing Bugsy at his own game, and Jeff egging Marty on in a rare role reversal; the final scene in Jeff's car at the end as Jeff and Marty fool about.
Scenes to Fast-Forward Past: None immediately spring to mind, but possibly the 1920's flashback may be a put-off to some, replete with naff Twenties background music.
Fashion Victims: Susan has a BIG HAIR DAY. Literally.
Death Toll: 1 - Kirstner
Jeff Gets Creamed: Amazingly, it's Marty's turn this episode, and he gets done over by Bugsy.
Continuity: It's established that a year has passed since Marty's death, and it's seen that by the end of the episode that Marty can get himself different items i.e. a cigar, a hat and a tommy-gun! Ghosts can touch each other, and can follow the person they're haunting anywhere in the world.
Notes: A fluff to look for in the very first office scene where Marty arrives all worried because he thinks Jeannie's seeing someone else. When Jean walks in, watch the door close very carefully and as if by magic you can see an extra's hand appear to make sure the door closes! Also Ken Cope fluffs his lines later - "ask her why she's taken to sitting on the sleeping room floor!" (Thanks to Caroline for that one!)

Episode 8: 'Whoever Heard Of A Ghost Dying?'
First Transmitted: November 9th, 1969 at 7:25pm
Directed by: Ray Austin Screenplay: Tony Williamson

Quotes: Jeff to Inspector Large: "Inspector, you've got to give me a break!"
"Don't tempt me."
Marty discovers exorcise isn't good for him: "I feel sick. I feel terrible. I wish I was dead!"
Jean Hopkirk: "How could I have been so stupid, so naïve, to think Marty was a ghost?"

Plot: Jeff Randall's achievements in his cases have not gone unnoticed by those of the criminal world, and one of the more intelligent among them, Hellingworth (John Fraser), begins to suspect something paranormal. Clairvoyant Cecil Purley (Charles Lloyd Pack) confirms that indeed, Jeff's success is down to his deceased partner, Marty Hopkirk, still earthbound as a ghost.
Hellingworth and his co-conspirator, Carol Latimer (Alexandra Bastedo), execute a plan whereby Jeff and his partner are to be fall guys in carrying out a number of large-scale robberies. Jeff is tricked into believing he is working for an insurance company, guessing that he will send Marty along to keep a watchful eye on the house Hellingworth has told Jeff is suspected of being the meeting place of a gang which has been causing the insurance company trouble.
It goes like a dream. Marty, seen by Purley, overhears the false information being discussed by the gang and reports it to Jeff who in turn informs Scotland Yard. The police keep watch over the building, but nothing happens, infuriating Inspector Large (Ivor Dean) and Jeff, as the hapless Marty cannot fathom what has happened. The police depart, leaving the coast clear for the real robbery to take place. This happens on a few more occasions, and the gang realise they will have to get rid of the ghost if they don't want him to reveal the truth - and of course, everone knows the only way to get rid of a ghost is to have him exorcised.
The psychic's method of exorcism is slow and Marty endures the symptoms of human illness rather akin to 'flu. Carol Latimer then approaches Jean, saying her husband needs her assistance as he is earthbound and needs to be released. Some of Marty's personal possessions are needed to complete the exorcism at Marty's grave.
Marty clutches at his headstone in agony, clinging as he does to the rapidly thinning shreds of mortality he has, promising Purley that "I'll get you for this, Purley, if it takes me the rest of my death!" Jeff arrives on the scene as Marty's fight is looking hopeless and confronts Purley. Jean manages to overpower Carol Latimer as she discovers they are fakes and the exorcism is halted just in time.
Scenes to Rewind For: The pre-credit sequence in the park where you see from another person's perspective just what Jeff looks like talking to thin air; the scene in the doctor's office where Marty is diagnosed as having the 'symptoms' of somebody three months pregnant is a classic just for the reaction from Marty; the exorcism being carried out at Marty's grave; Jean gets a scrap for a change; the final scenes where Marty is angrily chasing the psychic round the cemetery in revenge as the men in white coats take him away, just to name a few. This is just a damn good episode!
Scenes to Fast-Forward Past: I'm pleased to report there are no duff scenes in this episode.
Fashion Victims: Everybody at the nightclub; Hellingworth's shirt and tie co-ordination.
Death Toll: Zero!
Double Entendres: Purley comes out with, "His vibrations were so strong they nearly knocked the house down!"
Jeff Gets Creamed: Yet again... only once this time.
Continuity: Jeff was given Marty's fob watch upon his death; Marty has a very strong 'presence,' which is commented on several times in the series. Exorcism is a slow - and very unpleasant - process.
Notes: Need I say... green and white interior?

Episode 9: 'The House On Haunted Hill'
First Transmitted: November 16th, 1969 at 7:25pm
Directed by: Ray Austin Screenplay: Tony Williamson

Quotes: Estate agent to Jeff: "Anyone who believes in ghosts is a fool, and I expect you to prove it!"
"Hello, fool!" retorts Marty to Jeff.
Marty to Jeff as they flee the 'haunted house': "Go on, say it!"
"You're fired!"
"Fired?! You can't fire me, I'm a ghost!"
Jeff insists "Ghosts don't have nervous breakdowns!"
"If I want to have a nervous breakdown, I shall have one!" Marty shoots back stubbornly.

Plot: Jeff Randall gets caught up in two cases at once in this episode - investigating a diamond robbery as well as trying to investigate a haunted house named Merston Manor. The investigators before him, Henry Mace Horsfall (Dermot Kelly) and Frederick P. Waller (Peter Jones), beat a hasty retreat from the Tudor-style mansion after hearing clanking chains and screams emanating from the attic. The house has been up for sale for some time now, and the agent is forced to find someone made of sterner stuff to rid the house of its ghosts so he can sell it. A tad preoccupied with a diamond robbery, Jeff sends a nervy Marty to investigate in his stead.
While on the diamonds case, Jeff receives a phone call requesting his presence at a warehouse where he may gain some interesting information on the robbery. Walter Previss (Jeremy Burnham) is waiting, ready to make a deal with the detective - if he declares it an outside job, Jeff will get a cut of the profits. Being a man of principle, Jeff turns the offer down flat.
Marty's exploration of Merston Manor is not going well - he's terrified of the noises - scared stiff (sorry about the pun) in fact. He's convinced the house is genuinely haunted. Jennifer (Judith Arthy) is working at the firm in Jean's absence, and it isn't long before she's caught up in the action. Previss and his side-kick Lattimer (Keith Buckley) take her hostage, keeping her at the manor which in actual fact is the headquarters of the gang - the haunting sound effects have been cleverly contrived over a long period to prevent unwelcome visitors. Jeff is quickly overpowered after following Jennifer to the manor, and only Marty can help, but the spectre points out hopelessly, "Who's going to listen to a ghost giving them directions to a haunted house?"
At the community hall, however, a public meeting is discussing the manor's other-wordly tenants. Among those present are a certain Mr. Horsfall and Mr. Waller. Little Irishman Horsfall can see and hear Marty and after much cajoling and threatening he manages to relay the details of what is happening at Merston manor and that if they don't hurry, two people will be killed there tonight. Excited for the first time, the majority of the community dash after Horsfall and Marty to the manor and rescue Jeff and Jennifer in the nick of time.
Scenes to Rewind For: The heated exchange between Marty and Jeff when it's decided they'll spend the night at Merston Manor; the scenes in the community hall where Marty is attempting to get Horsfall to address the assembled people; the final scene in the manor.
Scenes To Fast-Forward Past: None!
Death Toll: 0
Fashion Victims: I know it's not a person, but Merston Manor wins the award for naffest curtains - watch the first scenes and you'll see what I'm on about. A sickly green.
Lattimer's tie and handkerchief combination...hmmmm...
Miss James (the secretary) - everything! Jenny's colour co-ordination - pink dress with red coat??
Jeff Gets Creamed: Just the once this week :-)
Now There's A Novelty: No green and white interior this week!
Jean is away this week, so in comes her sister Jennifer. She popped up first in 'A Disturbing Case.'
Notes: The ITC warehouse figures in this one as the warehouse Jeff is called to. It's been used in 'Just For The Record,' as well as 'Could You Recognize the Man Again?'
The line 'Play your cards right' is said twice in the episode, by Jeff and Previss.
The lift is the identical one to that used in every hotel on the set of 'The Saint'.

Episode 10: 'When Did You Start To Stop Seeing Things?'
First Transmitted: November 25th, 1969 at 7:25pm
Directed by: Jeremy Summers Screenplay: Tony Williamson

Quotes: Marty can't comprehend why Jeff can't see him: "Jeff, if I've done something, say something, don't just cut me dead! Well... you know what I mean..."
'Jeff' is about to kill again, prompting Marty to panic: "Don't do it, Jeff, don't - we'll both get life!"
Sir Oliver wakes up from his self-induced trance: "Ugh! Randall is everywhere!"

Plot: The unthinkable has happened - Jeff can no longer see or hear Marty! Even worse, Jeff does not seem particularly bothered by this - in fact he seems to have forgotten all about his former partner. Suspecting this may be down to overwork, Marty manages, through a hypnotised patient, to convey Jeff's name and address to psychiatrist Sir Oliver Norenton (Clifford Evans). Jeff's most recent case is to find out who at the Towler Corporation has been leaking information in order to play the Stock Market, investing in shares the company is about to invest in itself. The police, headed by Inspector Large (Ivor Dean), are watching closely as well, as one of the directors, Tully (John Garvin), was murdered after apparently setting up an appointment with Jeff Randall.
Marty witnesses Jeff ring up Holly (Philip James), the personnel manager, to arrange an appointment in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Holly is later found dead, but Jeff swears to Large he never made a phone call to Holly, raising Marty's concern. Using another of Sir Oliver's patients, Marty tries a second time to jog Jeff's memory, but Jeff practically throws Mrs. Trotter (Bessie Love) out of the door. Adding to the puzzle, Marty sees a shady character named Jarvis (Keith Barron) step out of the bathroom - and Jeff pulls a gun from his belt - something Marty has never known Jeff to have in his possession! Stunned, Marty tries to prevent the Managing Director's death, but fails as Jeff shoots Hepple (Basil Dignam).
Convinced Jeff has turned psycho, Marty follows him back to his flat, where he makes a startling discovery - 'Jeff' peels off a brilliantly made face mask to reveal the person underneath - a man named Hinch (David Downer). By now Inspector Large is also certain Randall is implicated in the murders but the alibi provided by 'Jeff' is that Hepple gave him the case in the first place, so why should he want to kill him?
Jean's suspicions have also been raised by the false Jeff's strange behaviour, and independently both Jean and Marty head for the General Manager's house where Marty discovers Jeff locked in a cellar. With Marty's help, Jeff escapes the cellar and lays Jarvis low, only to be laid out by the unknowing Jean who has not yet realised the truth - until the double walks in with a gun... and Laker.
Marty has to rely on Sir Oliver to break his friends out alive from Laker's house, and the self-entranced psychiatrist, confused by all the mentions of Jeff Randall's name from his patients, is influenced by Marty's voice. Under his guidance, Sir Oliver unwittingly becomes in turn a Grand Prix driver, a panther and then a secret agent, bursting through the patio doors and creating enough confusion for Jeff to get free. Jarvis mistakes the fake Jeff for the real one and shoots Hinch, as Inspector Large makes his by now customary late entrance.
Scenes to Rewind For: The psychiatrist's star turn as Danger Man!
Scenes to Fast-Forward Past: The shot of the rubber mask... ack!
Death Toll: 4 - Tully, Holly, Hepple and Hinch.
Fashion Victims: Jeannie's headscarf.
Jeff Gets Creamed: Twice, assuming he was beaten up when he was taken prisoner (offscreen).
That Face Looks Familiar: Keith Barron as Jarvis.
Now There's A Novelty: Jean clobbers Jeff in this episode!
Continuity: Jeff never carries a gun; tends to write telephone numbers on his desk blotter. People in a hypnotic trance can hear Marty.
Notes: Guess what, folks, it's the green and white interior again as the Laker house; and the famous ITC wine cellar rears its ugly head! The manor exterior shot is seen again in 'Who Killed Cock Robin.'

Episode Guide, Part 2

Main | R&H Mailing List & Forum | The Characters

Memorable Quotes | R&H Fanfiction & Fanart | R&H Media

Humour | Gallery | Links

Is there anything you think I've missed? E-mail me at: martyhopkirk@earthlink.net

References: Geoff Tibballs' 'Randall and Hopkirk' book (1994) - great book!; the episodes themselves, fans. No copyright infringment is intended.