The Guardians

1971 - 1971

The State of England

Episode 1

After a period of mass unemployment, chaos and a complete failure of the government, law and order has been restored in England. However the price of this new order is personal liberty. Dissenters soon appear, dedicated to the overthrow of the new regime.

Pursuit

Episode 2

An attempt has been made on the Prime Minister’s life, and an agent planted to root out communists within The Guardians is shot dead.

Head of State

Episode 3

The French President objects to Britain's participation in a united European defence force, and refuses to recognise the Prime Minister as head of state. Chris Hobson falls foul of the Guardians when he investigates the disappearance of one of their officers. Sir Tim decides to assert his authority over his cabinet.

The Logical Approach

Episode 4

Sir Timothy finally uses his brains and God given skills to become an effective Prime Minister.

Quarmby

7th August 1971

Episode 5

The Prime Minister conducts an investigation into the shooting of Sam Wilson who was in custody for killing Hollis.

Appearances

14th August 1971

Episode 6

Benedict kills a detective and then returns his attention to disrupting The Guardians.

This Is Quarmby

21st August 1971

Episode 7

Quarmby takes a new approach to disrupting the government by taking their campaign to the general public.

The Dirtiest Man in the World

28th August 1971

Episode 8

Tom is still being held prisoner and trying to escape. Benedict wants to use him as a pawn so decides to help him with his escape plan.

I Want You to Understand Me

4th September 1971

Episode 9

The resistance grows as the government steps up its repressive policies.

The Nature of the Beast

11th September 1971

Episode 10

Clare turns to Benedict for help in finding Tom. Benedict still has plans to use Tom as a scapegoat.

The Roman Empire

18th September 1971

Episode 11

The government is continuing to battle public unrest and now must deal with plots from within the Cabinet itself.

The Killing Trade

24th September 1971

Episode 12

Tom is now in a coma at Benedict's apartment. Quarmby wants to get rid of him before The Guardians discover his location.

End in Dust

1st October 1971

Episode 13

The stage is set for the final showdown. Quarmby, the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and The Guardians are all set for battle. Chris and Norman are now forced to choose sides as this series comes to its conclusion.

Top Cast

David Burke•Cyril Luckham•Gwyneth Powell

The Guardians is a television drama series of 13x60 minute episodes made by London Weekend Television and broadcast in the UK on the ITV network between July 10, 1971 and October 2, 1971. The opening titles and closing credits included a memorable theme tune composed by Wilfred Josephs.

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Full Cast

David Burke Image

David Burke

Cyril Luckham Image

Cyril Luckham

Gwyneth Powell Image

Gwyneth Powell

Edward Petherbridge Image

Edward Petherbridge

Lynn Farleigh Image

Lynn Farleigh

Full Crew

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