The lowdown: 'Man in a Suitcase' was an ITC production in the late 1960s, and starred Richard Bradford as McGill 
('just McGill' - he never reveals his first name. McGill is a disgraced former American Intelligence agent who was forced 
to resign over a scandal involving treason. McGill was innocent, and is determined to find the evidence to clear his 
name. He now earns a living as a private detective, travelling around the world to exotic destinations with a single
suitcase as his sole possession (hence the series title). A total of 30 episodes were made, and broadcast on ITV from
September 1967 to April 1968. McGill is available for hire to anybody who will pay. His rate is usually $300 a week, 
plus expenses, and he is never averse to making extra money on the side.

Roger Delgado makes a guest appearance in the 15th episode, 'Burden of Proof'. He features as a Central American
republic's ambassador to England, who is approached by the country's head of security for assistance after a British 
advisor steals £500,000 worth of gold from the republic's reserves. Delgado's performance is very reminiscent of
The Master, with the same personality and beard and when he comes into close contact with the advisor's wife, you 
can imagine him saying 'I am the Master, you will obey me'. Four years later, of course, Delgado was to utter those 
words in earnest.

Who should watch it: 'Man in a Suitcase' has stood the test of time very well; it is not as dated as many ITC shows
of the era, and its combination of mystery, drama and suspense, not to mention its much more serious tone than 
shows like 'The Avengers', means it is still highly enjoyable today. Well worth a look if you like 1960s British television
and are shopping for DVDs or visiting your local video library.

Trivia: 'Man in a Suitcase' was originally to be called 'McGill', but the title was changed after the first three episodes
were filmed. The theme tune was composed by Ron Grainger, who is somewhat known to Doctor Who fans.

        Video Clip:
      The Ambassador (5.3mb)

 
 
 
 

 
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