Gideon's Way
Gideon's Way is a British television crime series made by ITC Entertainment in 1964/65, based on the novels by John Creasey. The series was made at Elstree in twin production with The Saint TV series. It starred Liverpudlian John Gregson in the title role as Commander George Gideon of Scotland Yard, with Alexander Davion as his assistant, Detective Chief Inspector David Keen, Reginald Jessup as Det. Superintendent LeMaitre, Ian Rossiter as Detective Chief Superintendent Joe Bell and Basil Dignam as Commissioner Scott-Marle. The show did not acknowledge any help from Scotland Yard, any other police force or advisor. Daphne Anderson starred as his wife, Kate with Giles Watling as young son, Malcolm, Richard James as older son, Matthew who seemed to have a lot of new girlfriends and Andrea Allan as daughter, Pru. Unusually for police stories, Gideon was shown as a family man at home though urgent phone calls from his bosses tend to disrupt family plans too often. However, he did admit in "State Visit" that his wife had walked out on him for a while years ago when he put the job first and her second. They live in an expensive detached house in Chelsea.
Insights
Plot Summary
Gideon's Way is a British television series that follows the work of Commander George Gideon of Scotland Yard. Each episode typically centers on Gideon and his dedicated team as they tackle a variety of complex criminal cases, from murder and theft to fraud and espionage. The series offers a procedural look into the investigations, showcasing the meticulous efforts of detectives in bringing criminals to justice within the bustling, often gritty, landscape of London.
Critical Reception
Gideon's Way was a well-received crime drama during its run, praised for its intelligent plotting and solid performances. It was part of a wave of popular British detective series in the mid-20th century, appreciated for its more grounded approach to police work compared to some of its contemporaries. While not a critical darling on the scale of some later shows, it maintained a consistent audience and is remembered fondly by fans of classic British television.
What Reviewers Say
- Appreciated for its procedural approach to crime-solving.
- Praised for strong performances by the main cast.
- Seen as a solid, if unspectacular, entry in the British crime drama genre.
Google audience: Audience reviews for Gideon's Way often highlight its classic detective show charm and engaging storylines. Viewers tend to appreciate the character development and the authentic portrayal of police investigations from the era, finding it a comforting and well-crafted series.
Fun Fact
The series was based on John Creasey's novels featuring Commander Gideon, who was also the protagonist of a series of films starring John Mills in the late 1950s.
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