Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)

Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) was a late-1960s British TV show about two private detectives. One is killed in the line of duty but returns as a ghost to both haunt and help his former partner; the series was remade in 2000 - 2001

Contents

1 Original version 1.1 Episodes 2 The later remake 2.1 Episodes 2.1.1 Series 1 2.1.2 Series 2 3 External links

Original version

The series was originally created by Dennis Spooner. Mike Pratt starred as Jeff Randall, Kenneth Cope as Marty Hopkirk and Annette Andre as Marty's widow Jeannie. Hopkirk in his ghostly incarnation appeared in a white suit throughout.

In the pilot episode Marty is killed during an investigation and returns as a ghost whom only Jeff (and the occasional psychic) can see, to help Jeff solve his murder. But Marty stays out of his grave for too long and is cursed to walk the Earth for 100 years. Having nothing better to do, Marty stays as an invisible partner in the detective agency. Marty gives Jeff whatever help he can (which is limited, since he can't touch anything) but is jealous of the fact that Jeff and Jeannie seem to be developing an attraction for each other.

26 episodes were made by ITC Entertainment in 1969 - 1970. They were screened on ITV in the UK. In the US they appeared in syndication, usually retitled My Partner The Ghost because audience research suggested that Americans would not understand the word "deceased".

Except for some brief exterior scenes in the pilot episode and original opening titles, all of the scenes featuring the principal cast were shot in the studio. Exterior scenes were either simulated using blue screen or shot using body doubles.

Although Marty is not supposed to have a physical presence, beds and armchairs can sometimes be seen sagging under his weight, and in one episode he actually pushes aside a bead curtain.

Two versions of the show's opening titles were made for the British version. The original version includes a brief scene at the graveside in which Marty explains that only Jeff can see him. In later screenings this was replaced by a version without the scene. The US version is identical to the original, except for the title change.

The series was released on seven Region 2 DVDs in 2000 - 2002, which were then issued as a box set. Volume 2 includes the original opening title as an extra.

Episodes

• My Late Lamented Friend and Partner (pilot)
• A Disturbing Case
• All Work and No Pay
• Never Trust a Ghost
• That's How Murder Snowballs
• Just for the Record
• Murder Ain't What it Used to Be
• Whoever Heard of a Ghost Dying?
• The House on Haunted Hill
• When did You Start to Stop Seeing Things?
• The Ghost who Saved the Bank at Monte Carlo
• For the Girl who Has Everything
• "But What a Sweet Little Room"
• Who Killed Cock Robin?
• The Man from Nowhere
• When the Spirit Moves You
• Somebody Just Walked Over My Grave
• Could You Recognise That Man Again?
• A Sentimental Journey
• Money to Burn
• The Ghost Talks
• It's Supposed to be Thicker than Water
• The Trouble with Women
• Vendetta for a Dead Man
• You Can Always Find a Fall Guy
• The Smile Behind the Veil

The later remake

In 2000 - 2001 the series was remade by Working Title for the BBC with a more elaborate storyline, starring Vic Reeves as Hopkirk (once again in a white suit) and Bob Mortimer as Randall. The entire series was written and produced by Charlie Higson, who also directed some episodes. The basic situation was the same, but the circumstances of Hopkirk's death were changed. Another change was the introduction of Wyvern (Tom Baker), a kind of heavenly mentor for Marty.

Many episodes also included storylines that paid homage to other 1960s shows, especially those made by ITC. Two series were made totalling 13 episodes.

The series was shot in 16:9 widescreen. However, for reasons unknown, the Region 2 & 4 DVD of Series 1 was released in a pan and scan 4:3 format. The Series 2 DVD is coded for Regions 2 - 6 and is in the original aspect ratio.

The cover of the Series 1 VHS uses lenticular printing so that when the viewing angle is changed Marty's image appears and disappears.

Episodes

Series 1

• Drop Dead
• Mental Apparition Disorder
• The Best Years of Your Death
• Paranoia
• A Blast from the Past
• A Man of Substance

Series 2

• Whatever Possessed You?
• Revenge of the Bog People
• O Happy Isle
• Painkillers
• Marshall & Snellgrove
• The Glorious Butranekh
• Two can Play at That Game

External links

• Fansite for original series (http://hopkirk.whofind.net/)
• randallandhopkirk.com (http://www.randallandhopkirk.com)—covers both series
• Template:Imdb title
• Template:Imdb title