Honey West (ABC 1965-1966, Anne Francis, John Ericson)

Crime drama series focusing on martial arts expert Honey West who takes over the running of a private detective agency after inheriting it from her father.

Having made her debut in an episode of Burke’s Law Honey West is a really important figure when it comes to the portrayal of strong women on television and although the TV version was obviously influenced by the success of shows like The Avengers Honey herself actually was a pulp fiction veteran by the time the TV series came along having first appeared in novel form in 1957 created by husband and wife team Gloria and Skip Fickling.

Anne Francis is great in the lead and Honey herself is something of a Honey with her black leather jumpsuits and Jackie-O sunglasses. As this was made in prime era swinging sixties there is also a heavy James Bond influence with gadgetry galore and Honey having her own specially equipped van and a secret office in her apartment.

The show may have actually suffered somewhat because of the fact that there were lots of similarly styled shows on the air already and unfortunately Honey was cancelled after just a single season of thirty episodes.

An intriguing show nonetheless and actually one of legendary producers Aaron Spelling early efforts.

production details
USA / ABC – Four Star / 30×30 minute episodes / Broadcast 1965-1966

Producer: Jules Levy, Arthur Gardiner / Music: Joseph Mullendore

cast
Anne Francis as Honey West
John Ericson as Sam Bolt
Irene Hervey as Aunt Meg