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Sir Francis Drake (TV series)

Sir Francis Drake
Title Sir Francis Drake title superimposed over The Golden Hind at sea
Also known as 'The Adventures of Sir Francis Drake'
Directed by Clive Donner
Harry Booth (1961)
Starring Terence Morgan
Theme music composer Ivor Slaney
Composer(s) Ivor Slaney
Country of origin United Kingdom
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 1
No. of episodes 26 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s) Leslie Harris
Producer(s) Anthony Bushell
Cinematography Brendan J. Stafford
Jack Mills
Running time 25 Mins
Production company(s) ITC Entertainment
Release
Original network ITV
Picture format 35 mm film 4:3 Black and white
Audio format Mono
Original release 12 November 1961 (1961-11-12) – 20 May 1962 (1962-05-20)

Sir Francis Drake (aka The Adventures of Sir Francis Drake) is a 1961-1962 British adventure television series starring Terence Morgan as Sir Francis Drake, commander of the sailing ship the Golden Hind. As well as battles at sea and sword fights, the series also deals with intrigue at Queen Elizabeth's court.

The series was a joint ABC/ATV production, made at Elstree Studios and on historical sites in England.

A replica of the Golden Hind was constructed at a cost of £25,000 and was used for filming in and around the bays of Torbay and Dartmouth. In 1963 the ship was permanently moored in Brixham harbour in Devon where it became a tourist attraction. The ship was destroyed in a storm in 1987, after which it was towed to Dartmouth and replaced with the current replica with a gallery included.

Historical research was provided by E. Hayter Preston. Beatrice Dawson designed the many period costumes worn in the show. Ian Stuart Black was story editor. The fight scenes were arranged by Peter Diamond, who also appeared in four episodes.

The series was originally shown on UK network ATV from 12 November 1961, until 20 May 1962. It later aired on NBC from 24 June 1962, to 9 September 1962 as a summer replacement for Car 54, Where Are You?.

Airdate is for ATV London ITV regions varied date and order.

Doctor Dee (Raymond Huntley) entertains Elizabeth and her court with some magic tricks. Mendoza's man, Don Pedro steals all Dee's papers and he is forced to make a false astrology chart so the superstitious Queen refuses to allow Drake to sail to Ostend where some Spanish ships are holed up and rescue some English prisoners on them as well as liberating the captured cargo. Drake has to get the papers back for Dee before he can sail.


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