aramis-112-804880 What does "The Persuaders" mean? They rarely seem to do any persuading. But what did "The Avengers" mean, or "The Protectors"? Nevertheless, it's a good enough title to cover the antics of two big stars teamed up willy-nilly to some success.Roger Moore, who rebounded from London to Hollywood and back to British TV, was considered for "James Bond" from the start, but never actually tested for "Dr. No" as he was becoming the idealized Simon Templar on television's "The Saint." After that series, when Sean Connery left "Bond" for the first time (of three) Moore was briefly attached to a Broccoli "Bond" project that fell through. When the next green-lighted "Bond" came down the pike, Moore was engaged in other projects, including "The Persuaders." A shame as, had Moore been available, he might have made "On Her Majesty's Secret Service"--thus teaming himself with another British TV icons of the 1960, Diana Rigg. What a loss! So what was this "Persuaders" that may have cost Moore an earlier gig as the world's most famous Secret Agent? It's a slight show with a silly premise. A judge (Laurence Naismith, "Scrooge") teams an American millionaire and a British Lord to fight crime. Actually, the shows are typically mysteries, where our friendly "persuaders" discover people's real identities, etc.Unfortunately, a great many of their cases (such as "Greensleeves") come about by accident. In "Anyone Can Play" they so so far afield, Moore's American sidekick (Tony Curtis) accidentally gives out a fairly complicated code and, as a result, begins a train of events that nearly gets them both killed.The show itself is almost too light. The leads meet danger with such aplomb, threats rarely feel real. "James Bond" might have all been done tongue-in-cheek, but at least everyone involved treated it as deadly serious.Opinions differ about how Curtis became Moore's American counterpart. Both Moore's autobiography and a commentary on the pilot say three Americans were considered: Rock Hudson, Glenn Ford and Tony Curtis. All three were big movie headliners whose careers were sagging in the early 1970s.But whereas the commentary suggests Curtis got the part by default, Moore says he got final pick. He thought he and Hudson were too similar (tall, good-looking types); and, having worked with Ford, decided they would not be a good mix.Tony Curtis, a Bronx-born son of Hungarian immigrants, fought his way up the ladder to become a genuine movie star, receiving one Oscar nomination ("The Defiant Ones"). While he got raves for early dramatic parts like the sleazy Falco in "The Sweet Smell of Success" and "Spartacus", Curtis broke out of his "sidekick" period by starring in the comedies for which he is probably best known ("Some Like it Hot"; "The Great Race"; "Sex and the Single Girl"; "Arrivederci, Baby"; "Don't Make Waves" etc.) He culminated his "big star" career with the shocking dramatic part of Albert deSalvo in "The Boston Strangler." After that, his career hit the skids; and while he remained a "name" the rest of his life, he was never again the STAR in capital letters. "The Persuaders" was his last stab at headline stardom, this time in the realm of television.The strangest thing about "The Persuaders" is that Moore and Curtis, two different kinds of actors from very different backgrounds, actually have a good rapport. They play well together. If they have a fault, it's that they mine the same vein of humor, and apparently ad lib a lot. Curtis, still athletic in his late 40s, appears a bit too excited all the time, perhaps to better contrast himself against the understated Moore. Unfortunately, while Moore never seems to forget that he's a British Lord, if a fun-loving one who hates stodginess, Curtis seems to forget from time to time he's a millionaire, though never as a jet-set playboy. How did this guy raise himself from the back streets to Wall Street? Lots of famous British actors pop up in the series. They will be familiar to those who watched "The Saint" or "The Avengers." Occasionally, a rising star on his way up, or a former star on his way down, pop by for an episode. But the crux of the series is the fun-loving relationship between Curtis and Moore; that's also the series' Achilles heel, since they seem to be having too much fun at times.The American actor was brought in, initially, in hopes of selling the series in the US. When that never materialized, "The Persuaders" folded up. Tony Curtis settled comfortably into older, character parts while Moore finally got the biggest prize in movies at the time, "James Bond, 007." So it's just as well "The Persuaders" lasted only did one season.

deana_lisi This is easily one of the best shows that I have ever watched. I've always loved Tony Curtis and Roger Moore, and to see them both together would be the last thing you would expect, but it was the best thing the show's creators ever did. Tony and Roger's characters of Danny Wilde and Brett Sinclair are complete opposites, (except for the fact that they are both rich playboys) and they are truly hilarious to watch. You can see how much fun they had playing their roles, (especially Tony, who was always smiling, doing goofy things, and saying the funniest lines...I'm convinced that he ad-libbed half of what he said). The show was visually beautiful, being filmed in England, France, Scotland, etc. It completely boggles my mind that the show didn't catch on in America! It's such an awful, awful shame, as I could watch this show every day. (I have both sets, and have been doing just that, lol.) If you can get your hands on the DVDs (which are VERY expensive now...I'm sure glad I bought mine 12 years ago) don't hesitate. You'll treasure this show for the rest of your life. OH, I can't end this review without mentioning the AWESOME theme music! One of the best TV themes I've ever heard!

Maddyclassicfilms Devised and produced by Robert S.Baker,The Persuaders is still regarded by many viewers as the greatest of Lew Grade's ITC film series.It stars Tony Curtis,Roger Moore and Laurence Naismith.From the brilliant and iconic theme tune by John Barry,to the glamorous locations and exciting car chases, this series has something for everyone to enjoy.Lord Brett Sinclair(Roger Moore)is a British peer of the realm,born into wealth and privilege. Danny Wilde(Tony Curtis)is a self made man, moving away from the poverty of the New York slums to become a wealthy oil magnate. The pair are conned into solving crimes and helping people in need by retired Judge Felton(Laurence Naismith).Although polar opposites in both taste and personality Brett and Danny soon find a way to tolerate one another. They end up becoming the best of friends and save each others lives many times.Famously Moore got to pick his co-star from a choice of three Glenn Ford,Rock Hudson or Tony Curtis he chose Curtis.Doing so was a wise decision as the pair are magical together, it's very hard to imagine anyone else playing Danny Wilde quite the way Curtis does.Famously the pair adlibbed dialogue like crazy,yet they never messed up scenes doing so. You can tell by watching the episodes that they are both having a fun time making the series.The Persuaders is a mix of adventure,action,humour and style with it's stars being the cherry on top. The Blu-ray boxset is well worth buying, the picture quality is fantastic and there's some good extras too.

crawfrordboon Never before have I seen on-screen chemistry like that between Roger Moore and Tony Curtis in The Persuaders. Both actors fill their roles perfectly and more besides, whoever teamed up these guys needs credit also.Whether they're winning improbable fight scenes, surviving hair-raising car chases, or making sense of unusual situations (e.g Sinclair finding out how he has suddenly acquired a wife, Wilde being accidentally immersed into a Soviet spy ring, or Sinclair again finding that he has been cloned!) Moore and Curtis always appear to be having a riot of a time, perhaps in some measure a result of the large quantities of champagne the cast got through on the set.Roger Moore deploys his usual charm and dry wit, whilst the manic Curtis excels with his deadpan humour and perfect timing. The contrast between the two main characters matches that between the two actors, but its more a case of salt and vinegar than cheese and chalk, Moore and Curtis are perfect together, and together they are perfect for the show. Slightly camp 1970s comedy/action - perfect for Roger to make his indelible mark on the James Bond series, and a welcome change for Tony from his less light-hearted roles.Brilliant series, shame it only lasted a couple of years!