Fabian of the Yard (BBC Crime, Bruce Seton)

Crime drama series Fabian of the Yard followed the cases of Detective Inspector Robert Fabian (Bruce Seton) who was one of British Television’s first bona fide detective heroes.

Fabian, based on the real life D.I. Fabian, was a very progressive crook catcher determined to use all the latest modern forensic techniques to bring justice to bear. The real life Fabian also appeared at the end of each episode to deliver his own view on the case in question.

Shot on film and very reminiscent of Edgar Lustgarten’s legendary Scotland Yard film series, Fabian also had a few of it’s episodes compiled into two feature films in the shape of Fabian of the Yard (1954) and Handcuffs, London (1955). The series is also known by the title Fabian of Scotland Yard.

Cast: Bruce Seton as Superintendent Robert Fabian; Robert Fabian as Himself

Producer: John Larkin

UK / BBC – Trinity – Anthony Beauchamp / 39×25 minute episodes / Broadcast 13 November 1954 – 1956

THE EPISODES
SEASON ONE 13 November 1954 – 26 June 1955
1. THE EXTRA BULLET
2. THE UNWANTED MAN
3. THE SKELETON IN THE CUPBOARD
4. AGAINST THE EVIDENCE
5. THE BRIDES OF FIRE
6. THE TROUBLED WIRE
7. WRITTEN IN THE DUST
8. THE PURPLE MOUSE
9. LITTLE GIRL
10. THE COWARD
11. LOST BOY
12. THE EXECUTIONER
13. THE POISON MACHINE
14. THE GOLDEN PEACOCK
15. MAN FROM BLACKPOOL
16. ROBBERY IN THE MUSEUM
17. DEADLY POCKET HANDKERCHIEF
18. THE VANISHING CAT
19. PIN POINT SIGNATURE
20. THE INNOCENT VICTIMS
21. THE JADE BLADE
22. APRIL FOOL

SEASON TWO 12 November 1955 – mid 1956
1. NO ALIBI
2. ESCORT FOR DEATH
3. THE SIXTH DAGGER
4. THE RIBBON TRAP
5. COCKTAIL GIRL
6. THE MASTERPIECE
7. THE HAND OF TERROR
8. BOMBS IN PICCADILLY
9. THE LOVERS KNOT
10. MURDER IN SOHO
11. NELL GWYNN’S TEAR
12. DEATH ON THE PORTSMOUTH ROAD
13. 4am PHONE CALL
14. THE KING’S HAT
15. THE WITCHES OF WEDNESDAY
16. HANDCUFFS, LONDON
17. MORAL MURDER