The Man in Room 17
The Man in Room 17 is a British television series which ran for two seasons in the mid-1960s, produced by the Northern ITV franchise, Granada Television. Key to the series' success was the involvement of writer/producer Robin Chapman. The show was set in Room 17 of the Department of Social Research, where former wartime agent-turned-criminologist Edwin Oldenshaw solved difficult police cases through theory and discussions with his assistants. The novelty of the series was that Oldenshaw and his colleagues never needed to leave their office in order to resolve cases, preferring to spend their time playing the Japanese board game of Go. They simply provided their prognosis and left the police to do the cleaning up. Different directors were often appointed to film the Room 17 and outside-world scenes independently, to maintain a sense of distance between the two worlds.
Cast: Richard Vernon, Denholm Elliott
13 episodes
- 1. Tell the TruthA case of suspected espionage, but no leads. Scotland Yard pool their best brains, without success. The Government must try to interest the Man in Room 17...NRCC47minJun 11, 1965
- 2. Hello, LazarusA millionaire, Crawshaw, is reportedly killed when a charter plane crashes. Room 17 are intrigued; Crawshaw had a fear of flying, so why should he have chosen this mode of travel?NRCC47minJun 18, 1965
- 3. The Years of GloryA retired general's house is burgled. He denies anything is missing, but he has kept wartime diaries which could prove embarrassing to the Government; Room 17 are asked to find them.NRCC46minJun 25, 1965
- 4. Confidential ReportA confidential intelligence report on a member of a friendly foreign government has been stolen, and could be used to devastating effect if published. Room 17 are asked to recover it.NRCC46minJul 2, 1965
- 5. The Millions of MazafariyahAn attempt on the life of an official in the Foreign Office brings Room 17 into contact with the Middle East.NRCC46minJul 9, 1965
- 6. The Seat of PowerA top agent is sent into Britain, but his alleged intentions seem doubtful. Has he a more sinister objective? The men of Room 17 are asked to take a closer look.NRCC46minJul 16, 1965
- 7. Safe ConductThe ex-president of a Latin-American state, in exile in Britain, had presumed that his son is dead. When he hears that he is still alive, Room 17 are asked to bring him safely to England.NRCC45minJul 23, 1965
- 8. A Minor OperationA small paragraph in a newspaper leads the occupants of Room 17 into a world of espionage, blackmail...and ballet!NRCC46minJul 30, 1965
- 9. Find the LadyRoom 17 face a question of priority: they can choose to save a girl's life, or stop a revolution. Employing the most unorthodox of methods, they try to accomplish both.NRCC46minAug 6, 1965
- 10. The BequestRoom 17 investigate a businessman who is trying to develop a revolutionary new fibre - uncovering personal intrigue, professional rivalries, and a killing.NRCC47minAug 13, 1965
- 11. Up Against A Brick WallA man is killed; his body lies partly in one country, partly in another. Whose responsibility is it to investigate the case? Room 17 have to condone a robbery in order to find out.NRCC46minAug 20, 1965
- 12. Out for a DuckA millionaire who owes the Inland Revenue a large sum is now living on a Caribbean island; Room 17 are asked to prise him loose from his paradise by any means at their disposal.NRCC46minAug 27, 1965
- 13. Black AnniversaryA British general is murdered in strange circumstances; exactly a year later, a colonial governor is murdered in still stranger circumstances. Is there any connection?NRCC47minSep 3, 1965
The Man in Room 17
The Man in Room 17 is a British television series which ran for two seasons in the mid-1960s, produced by the Northern ITV franchise, Granada Television. Key to the series' success was the involvement of writer/producer Robin Chapman. The show was set in Room 17 of the Department of Social Research, where former wartime agent-turned-criminologist Edwin Oldenshaw solved difficult police cases through theory and discussions with his assistants. The novelty of the series was that Oldenshaw and his colleagues never needed to leave their office in order to resolve cases, preferring to spend their time playing the Japanese board game of Go. They simply provided their prognosis and left the police to do the cleaning up. Different directors were often appointed to film the Room 17 and outside-world scenes independently, to maintain a sense of distance between the two worlds.
Creators and cast
- Created by
- Robin Chapman
Maturity rating
NRCheck the rating before watching with younger viewers.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.
