Stirring historical adventure serial Pretenders was based on real life happenings. The series takes us back to 1685 to a time when the Duke of Monmouth was fighting his brother James (II) for rightful claim to be King of England following the death of their father Charles II.
Despite being illegitimate Monmouth is convinced he is the rightful heir to the throne. The main thrust of the story though concerns the adventures of young Elam who believes that Monmouth is his father and embarks on a quest to join him.
The exciting 13 part serial built up the famous battle of Sedgemoor which led to the eventual downfall and execution of Monmouth.
production details
UK / ITV – HTV / 13×30 minute episodes / Broadcast 27 February – 21 May 1972
Writer: Paul Nicholson / Producers: Patrick Dromgoole, Leonard White / Director: David Boisseau
cast
Frederick Jaegar as Joachim
Curtis Arden as Elam
Elizabeth Robillard as Perfect
Jonathan Newth as Mr Morton
Hedley Goodall as Mr Betterbridge
Constance Chapman as Mistress Betterbridge
June Barrie as Mistress Bracegirdle
Geoffrey Matthews as Hopes
Maurice Good as Caution
Hamilton Dyce as Col Kirke
Carl Bernard as Ferguson
Juan Moreno as Soft John
David Jackson as Officer
Adrian Cairns as Courtier
Robin Nedwell as Parsons
Neil McCarthy as Henschall
