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

The later remake

In 2000 - 2001 the series was remade by Working Title Films for the BBC with a more elaborate storyline, starring Vic Reeves as Hopkirk (once again in a white suit) and Bob Mortimer as Randall, with Emilia Fox as Jeannie. The entire first series was written and produced by Charlie Higson, who also directed some episodes. The second series employed some other writers, including Gareth Roberts, Mark Gatiss and Jeremy Dyson. The basic situation was the same, but the circumstances of Hopkirk's death were changed. Another change was the introduction of Wyvern (Tom Baker), a kind of heavenly mentor for Marty.

Related Topics:
2000 - 2001 - Working Title Films - BBC - Vic Reeves - Bob Mortimer - Emilia Fox - Charlie Higson - Gareth Roberts - Mark Gatiss - Jeremy Dyson - Tom Baker

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Many episodes also included storylines that paid homage to other 1960s shows, especially those made by ITC. Two series were made totalling 13 episodes.

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The series was shot in widescreen. However, for reasons unknown, the Region 2 & 4 DVD of Series 1 was released in a pan and scan format. The Series 2 DVD is coded for Regions 2 - 6 and is in the original aspect ratio.

Related Topics:
Widescreen - Pan and scan - Aspect ratio

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The cover of the Series 1 VHS uses lenticular printing so that when the viewing angle is changed Marty's image appears and disappears.

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Episodes

Series 1

• Drop Dead
• Mental Apparition Disorder
• The Best Years of Your Death
• Paranoia
• A Blast from the Past
• A Man of Substance

Series 2

• Whatever Possessed You?
• Revenge of the Bog People
• O Happy Isle
• Painkillers
• Marshall & Snellgrove
• The Glorious Butranekh
• Two can Play at That Game