Raffles
Raffles was a 1977 television adaptation of the A. J. Raffles stories by Ernest William Hornung. The series was produced by Yorkshire Television and written by Philip Mackie. The episodes were largely faithful adaptations of the stories in the books, though occasionally two stories would be merged to create one. In Victorian-era London, gentleman thief A. J. Raffles, a renowned cricketer, and his friend, the eager but naive Bunny Manders, test their skills in relieving the wealthy of their valuables whilst avoiding detection, especially from the persistent Inspector Mackenzie.
Insights
Plot Summary
This British television series follows the adventures of A.J. Raffles, an upper-class gentleman amateur cracksman and cricketer. Known as the 'Gentleman Thief', Raffles uses his wit, charm, and impressive cricket skills to pull off daring heists and solve mysteries, often while navigating London's high society.
Critical Reception
The series was generally well-received for its faithful adaptation of E.W. Hornung's stories, its engaging lead performance, and its period detail. It captured the spirit of the original stories, appealing to fans of classic detective and crime dramas.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for Anthony Valentine's charismatic portrayal of Raffles.
- Appreciated for its faithful and atmospheric adaptations of the source material.
- Commended for its intriguing plots and gentlemanly detective work.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this series is not readily available.
Fun Fact
While the 1977 series is the most well-known adaptation, the character of Raffles first appeared in short stories by E.W. Hornung published in 1899, and was later adapted into silent films and radio plays.
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