An enjoyable early B & W crime show from the UK, apparently conceived as a possible syndicate sale to the USA. It unfortunately never materialised, so was cancelled after one series (39 episodes). Fading star Robert Beatty is the the tough-acting Canadian brought in to assist a far less physical Scotland Yard, at the same time learning local mores and argot. Somewhat similar to the more famous Scotland Yard series, 999 benefits from a larger budget as well as a greater use of location shooting. In fact a good deal of the pleasure to be had is from this extended use of 50's streets and locales which add greatly to the mise en scene, as well as providing a large dollop of nostalgia. There's a host of familiar British character actors to enjoy doing their thing. The series boasts technical advice from official police sources, and although one doubts everything is as was in real life there's more than enough of nostalgia and contemporary colour on view here to keep modern viewers happy. As the series progresses (presumably as a result of overseas sales reaction) there is an increased reliance on gun play to raise the excitement of what purports to be a realistic series. Disc three is of especial interest as in one episode there is a chance to see a young Robert Shaw playing a henchman, while in another UK TV fans will spot the rare appearance of two future Doctor Whos, William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton, in the same show - although disappointingly not in the same scene! Apart from one weak episode which packs hero detective Maguire undercover to Germany, the series is even and is well worth seeking out.
Review of Dial 999
