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

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.

Related Topics:
Dennis Spooner - Mike Pratt - Jeff Randall - Kenneth Cope - Marty Hopkirk - Annette Andre

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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, and is still learning his ghostly powers) 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".

Related Topics:
ITC Entertainment - 1969 - 1970 - ITV - UK - US - Syndication - Audience research

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

Related Topics:
Blue screen - Body double

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

Related Topics:
Region 2 - 2000 - 2002

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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