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.
Insights
Plot Summary
A detective investigating a murder uncovers a complex conspiracy involving a wealthy industrialist and a mysterious organization. As he delves deeper, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The investigation leads him through a labyrinth of deception, forcing him to question everyone he trusts.
Critical Reception
The Man in Room 17 was a moderately received television film that capitalized on the popularity of crime dramas in the mid-1960s. While it featured a solid cast and a suspenseful premise, it is often viewed as a product of its time, with some critics noting its formulaic plot and pacing that, while engaging, doesn't break new ground.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its tense atmosphere and straightforward mystery.
- Felt to be a competent, if not groundbreaking, crime thriller.
- The performances, particularly from the lead actors, were often highlighted.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Man in Room 17' is not widely documented through specific Google user reviews. However, based on general sentiment for similar television films of the era, viewers likely appreciated the suspense and the classic detective narrative.
Fun Fact
This film served as a pilot for a potential television series that never materialized, despite the presence of Adam West, who would soon achieve widespread fame as Batman in the live-action TV series.
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