The Guardians (TV series)

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The Guardians was a television drama series of 13x60 minute episodes made by London Weekend Television and broadcast in the UK on the ITV network (with the exception of Northern Ireland) between July 10, 1971 and October 2, 1971.

The opening titles and closing credits included a memorable theme tune composed by Wilfred Josephs.

Contents

[edit] Synopsis

The Guardians was a political fantasy set in the near future. Democratic government in the UK had been overthrown in a bloodless coup and Britain was ruled by a totalitarian junta. Political opposition was suppressed by a sinister uniformed paramilitary force called "The Guardians of the Realm" (known for short as "The Guardians" or simply "The G's").

[edit] Main Cast

Edward Petherbridge, Derek Smith, John Collin, Cyril Luckham, Lynn Farleigh, David Burke, Gwyneth Powell.

[edit] Episode list

Original UK transmission dates are added.
  1. 10/07/71 The State of England
  2. 17/07/71 Pursuit
  3. 24/07/71 Head of State
  4. 31/07/71 The Logical Approach
  5. 07/08/71 Quarmby
  6. 14/08/71 Appearances
  7. 21/08/71 This is Quarmby
  8. 28/08/71 The Dirtiest Man in the World
  9. 04/09/71 I Want You to Understand Me
  10. 11/09/71 The Nature of the Beast
  11. 18/09/71 The Roman Empire
  12. 25/09/71 The Killing Trade
  13. 02/10/71 End in Dust

[edit] Northern Ireland

The Independent Television Authority decided that the series was unsuitable to be broadcast in Northern Ireland because of its controversial political content. And also because of the possibility of a misunderstanding in relation to the name of the police force of the Republic of Ireland Garda Síochána which translates into English as Guardians of the Peace.

The Guardians has never been screened again on television in UK since its original run. It is understood that all episodes survive intact. A single episode (episode 12 - "The Killing Trade") can be viewed at the National Media Museum in Bradford.

[edit] External links