Dick Barton - Special Agent! (BBC Radio Crimes)

Nov 16, 2024 1:40 PM

Author:Edward J. Mason,Noël Johnson,Full Cast

Captain Richard Barton, late of the Commandos, made his radio debut on the Light Programme in 1946 and quickly went on to become Britain's most popular hero. For years the nation tuned in to hear the famous signature tune, Devil's Gallop, herald another cliff-hanging adventure for the smooth, crime-busting Barton and his friends Snowey and Jock. In 1972, as part of the BBC's Golden Jubilee celebrations, the team came together once more to re-record the very first adventure. The episodes were not stored in the BBC Archives but, thanks to private tapes, these 'lost' recordings can be heard once more. And here they are, in this fast-moving story about a stolen secret weapon, complete with dark caves, deadly spiders, lifts with no floors and - most intriguingly - a tall and mysterious man in a black Homburg... Guaranteed to have Barton fans, old and new, on the edge of their seats.

Reviews

Silent Comedy is a terrific history of props and pratfalls...I'm a better person for having read this

—— The Times

***** Such is Merton's enthusiasm that his story grips throughout.

—— Mail on Sunday

An awestruck and knowledgeable introduction to Hollywood's earliest funsters...lovingly researched

—— Daily Telegraph

Penned with genuine passion...both well crafted and carefully researched

—— Film Review

He makes some striking biographical connections the rest of us have missed ... he certainly knows his subject.

—— Kevin Brownlow , Spectator

He brings an insider's insight to this heartfelt study ... it's a good sign when such a substantial book leaves you wanting still more

—— The Independent

Fascinating, insightful

—— Choice Magazine

Meticulous ... beautifully illustrated, with period stills and playbills, and he decorates this conscientious survey with fascinating first-hand experience

—— The Independent

An unabashed labour of love ... The most compelling aspect ... is his tracing of the silent clowns' creative rivalries

—— The Herald

Generously illustrated ... definitely a book for reading... such is Merton's exhaustive affection, you'll feel a pang when the talkies come in

—— Word

Beautifully produced and contains some remarkable illustrations ... as a professional, he provides plenty of insight

—— Spectator

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