Spindoe (ITV 1968, Ray McAnally, Anthony Bate)

Six part crime drama Spindoe grew out of the 1967 series The Fellows and focused on a minor character in that series, villain Alec Spindoe. When this series opens Spindoe has just been released from prison after serving a seven year sentence. Before Alec went inside he was the boss of a major South London crime syndicate involved in every crooked racket going, from vice, gambling and protection rackets.

Now though things have changed, his number two, Edwards, has taken over not only his position but also his wife Shelagh. Meanwhile a North London gang is also keen to take over his patch.

In this strong and often violent series there are no good guys as such. Even the police are happy to let events play out hoping that the gangs will wipe each other out. A thoroughly grown up series that doesn’t pull its punches.

Spindoe also offered a rare starring role for Ray McAnally who is his typically brilliant self. McAnally was mostly working on stage as a member of the Abbey Theatre in Ireland and only worked occasionally in TV and Film.

The supporting cast included Richard Hurndall, the fabulous Anthony Bate and a young Bryan Marshall as the cop who is most closely involved with what Spindoe and co are up to.

production details
UK / ITV – Granada / 6×50 minute episodes / Broadcast 19 April – 24 May 1968 black and white

Writer and Producer: Robin Chapman / Design: Alan Price / Directors: Cormac Newell (aka Mike Newell) and Cyril Coke

cast
Ray McAnally as Alex Spindoe
Richard Hurndall as Mackleson
Anthony Bate as Edwards
Colette O’Neill as Shelagh
Bryan Marshall as Det Sgt Peach
George Sewell as Scaliger
Glynn Edwards as Billy Humphries
Rachel Herbert as Renata
Garfield Morgan as Webster
Tom Watson as Larry Bolsover

THE EPISODES
1. YOU COME OUT FROM NOTHING (19 Apr 1968)
2. AND THE BLOOD STARTS FLOWING (26 Apr 1968)
3. BUT YOU’RE BACK AND FIGHTING (3 May 1968)
4. YOU START WINNING (10 May 1968)
5. HOW IS IT YOU’RE LOSING (17 May 1968)
6. NOW YOU’RE RUNNING (24 May 1968)