The Mind Of Mr J.G. Reeder (ITV Crime, Hugh Burden)

Period crime drama series The Mind of Mr J.G. Reeder took us to the 1920’s, where the J.G. Reeder (Hugh Burden) of the title investigates crimes whilst working for the department of public prosecutions. Reeder’s boss was Sir Jason Toovey (Willoughby Goddard).

The character was created by crime writing legend Edgar Wallace with most of the plots based on his short stories. In the first season Virginia Stride played secretary Margaret Belman but there was a two year gap between the first and second seasons and Margaret was played in the second season by Gillian Lewis.

Scripts were written by Donald Churchill, Vincent Tilsley, Gerald Kelsey, Louis Marks and star Hugh Burden who contributed the script for The Poetical Policeman.

Guest stars were strong and included the likes of Joe Melia, Pauline Delaney, Hildegard Neil, Michael Bates, Windsor Davies, John Le Mesurier, Ray McAnally, Carmel McSharry, Amanda Barrie, Milton Johns and Richard Vernon.

Eliot Makeham had played the character in a radio series broadcast on the Light Programme between August and September 1946.

Cast: Hugh Burden as Mr J.G. Reeder; Willoughby Goddard as Sir Jason Toovey; Mona Bruce as Mrs Houchin; Virginia Stride as Margaret Belman (Season 1); Gillian Lewis as Margaret Belman (Season 2)

Story Editors: Monica Menell, Maggie Allen / Stories: Edgar Wallace / Executive Producer: Lloyd Shirley / Producers: Kim Mills, Robert Love

UK / ITV – Thames / 16×50 minute episodes / Broadcast 23 April 1969 – 7 June 1971