Adventure Story (BBC 1961, Sean Connery, William Russell)

Adventure Story was a production of Terence Rattigan’s 1949 stage play which was previously mounted by the BBC in 1950 but here given a more prestigious treatment and larger budget.

The story basically told the life story of Alexander The Great from his triumphant conquest of Persia to his death with particular emphasis on his loneliness and insecurities. His unwavering vision of a whole world ruled by him meant, like any power mad despot, he didn’t have much time for personal relationships.

Sean Connery, a year before becoming Bond, was given the lead as Alexander and the cast also starred future Doctor Who companion William Russell.

production details
UK / BBC / 1×100 minute episode / Broadcast 12 June 1961 in black and white

Writer:Terence Rattigan / Production Design: Clifford Hatts / Producer: Rudolph Cartier

cast
SEAN CONNERY as Alexander, King of Macedon
WILLIAM RUSSELL as Hephaestion
LYNDON BROOK as Philotas
WILLIAM DEVLIN as Parmenion, Philotas’ Father
ALEX SCOTT as Ptolemy
EDWARD CAST as Perdiccas
MICHAEL BRENNAN as Father Cleitus
NOEL HOOD as The Pythia, Priestess of Apollo
WALTER BROWN as Polystratos
PAUL STASSINO as King Darius
MARGARETTA SCOTT as Queen Mother
ANN DIMITRI as Queen Statira
PAULINE KNIGHT as Princess Statira
ALAN TILVERN as Prince Bessus, Satrap of Bactria
BANDANA DAS GUPTA as Roxana
TUTTE LEMKOW as Mazeres, The King’s Chamberlain
WALTER RANDALL as Palace Official
SIMON LEVY as Persian Officer

Alastair James is the editor-in-chief of Memorable TV, leading the charge in covering today's must-see television. A lifelong television enthusiast, his passion began with a deep dive into the world of classic sci-fi, culminating in his role as editor of "Beyond the Static," a publication devoted to celebrating iconic sci-fi series. While his love for classic television remains, Alastair's focus at Memorable TV is firmly on the present, analyzing the latest trends in the television landscape, from gripping crime dramas to the ever-evolving strategies of Survivor. His insights have been featured in numerous publications. At Memorable TV, Alastair's goal is to provide readers with sharp commentary, engaging reviews, and in-depth analysis of the shows dominating the current conversation.