''The Odd Man'' was a police series produced by

Granada Television ITV Granada, formerly known as Granada Television, is the ITV (TV network), ITV franchisee for the North West of England and Isle of Man. From 1956 to 1968 it broadcast to both the north west and Yorkshire on weekdays only, as ABC Weekend TV, ...

, running over four series between 1960 and 1963. The character of pompous police Chief Inspector Charles Rose (

William Mervyn William Mervyn Pickwoad (3 January 1912 – 6 August 1976) was an English actor best known for his portrayal of the bishop in the clerical comedy ''All Gas and Gaiters'', the old gentleman in ''The Railway Children'' and Inspector Charles Rose i ...

) at the start of series 3 cemented the show's popularity, and ''The Odd Man'' turned out to be the first in a trilogy lasting most of the 1960s, during which Rose's character slowly developed and became increasingly genial as they progressed.

''The Odd Man''

This series originally dealt with the investigations of theatrical-agent-cum-detective Steve Gardiner (played by

Geoffrey Toone Geoffrey Toone (15 November 1910 – 1 June 2005) was an English actor and former matinee idol. He was born in Ireland to English parents. Most of his film roles after the 1930s were in supporting parts, usually as authority figures, though he ...

in the first season, replaced by

Edwin Richfield Edwin Richfield (11 September 1921 – 2 August 1990) was an English actor. Career Richfield starred in the television series '' Interpol Calling'' (1959). He was '' The Odd Man'' in Granada Television's series of the same name in the early 19 ...

thereafter). Gardiner was the "odd man" of the series' title, and his encounters with the police in the form of Chief Inspector Gordon (

Moultrie Kelsall Moultrie Rowe Kelsall (24 October 1904 – 13 February 1980)Biographical info

) for series 1 and 2. Kelsall was replaced by Chief Inspector Charles Rose (

) from series three onwards. Rose was assisted by Detective Sergeant Macbride (

Alan Tilvern Alan Tilvern (5 November 1918 – 17 December 2003) was an English actor. He was known for usually playing "tough-guy" roles. Life Tilvern was born 5 November 1918 in Whitechapel, in the East End of London, to Lithuanian-Jewish parents, who ...

) who lasted just the one season. He was replaced by Detective Sergeant Swift (played by

Keith Barron Keith Barron (8 August 1934 – 15 November 2017) was an English actor and television presenter who appeared in films and on television from 1961 until 2017. His television roles included the police drama '' The Odd Man'', the sitcom '' Duty Fr ...

) for the final series in 1963.

''It's Dark Outside''

The characters of Rose and Swift were then given their own series, ''It's Dark Outside'', which ran for two series in 1964 and 1965. The stories were edgy, with Barron's character frequently feeling repressed and confused by the turn of events, which often had him one step behind his superior's superior approach and attitude. Barron left at the end of series 1, to be replaced by

Anthony Ainley Anthony Ainley (20 August 1932 – 3 May 2004) was a British actor. He was the fourth actor to portray The Master (Doctor Who), the Master in ''Doctor Who''. Early life Ainley was born in Stanmore, Middlesex, the son of the actor Henry Ainley ...

in the role of Detective Sergeant Hunter.

''Mr Rose''

The third and final series in the trilogy was ''Mr Rose'', and saw the title character enjoying retirement in

Eastbourne Eastbourne () is a town and seaside resort in East Sussex, on the south coast of England, east of Brighton and south of London. It is also a non-metropolitan district, local government district with Borough status in the United Kingdom, bor ...

. Rose attempted to write his memoirs but found himself being drawn into private detection instead. The theme tune for ''Mr Rose'' was by John Snow, and was issued on a single as a cover version by

Roy Budd Roy Frederick Budd (14 March 1947 – 7 August 1993) was a British jazz pianist and composer known for his film scores, including ''Get Carter'' and ''The Wild Geese''. Early life Born in South Norwood, South London, Budd became interested in mu ...

on the

Pye Records PYE or Pye Records is an independent British record label. It was first established in 1955 and played a major role in shaping rock 'n' roll and pop music history. The Pye name was dropped in 1980 due to trademark issues, after which it produced ...

label in 1967. A separate cover version was recorded on the album ''Time For TV'' by Brian Fahey and his Orchestra, on the Studio 2 Stereo label. John Snow's original recording was recorded by the De Wolfe mood music library, and is not commercially available.

External links

* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Odd Man trilogy, The 1960 British television series debuts 1963 British television series endings 1964 British television series debuts 1965 British television series endings 1967 British television series debuts 1968 British television series endings 1960s British crime television series Black-and-white British television shows East Sussex in fiction British English-language television shows ITV television dramas Television shows produced by Granada Television