Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)

Private Investigator Geoff Randall (Mike Pratt) is aided in his investigations by the ghost of his partner Marty Hopkirk (Kenneth Cope). The latter was murdered during an investigation in the first episode, "My Late Lamented Friend And Partner". Additional characters who appear are Annette Andre as Jean Hopkirk, Marty's wife and Geoff's friend and secretary and Ivor Dean as Inspector Large, who disliked Randall when he appeared to be leading him on a wild goose chase, but Randall always came out on top in the end.

The original series ran for twenty-six hour long episodes between the autumn of 1969 and through part of 1970, it was successful enough in Britain but failed to take on across the Atlantic. The fact that it was transmitted in America under the inept title, "My Partner The Ghost" probably didn't help matters. It was the creation of writer Dennis Spooner and has gained cult status in Britain. Enough so that it was remade in the year 2000 with Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer in the Mike Pratt and Kenneth Cope roles, but the less said about this the better! The original may have laughable special effects by todays standards (i.e very visible wires on objects apparently moved by ghosts), but at least you had a good story and fine acting. In the remake it's quite the reverse, all special effects, rubbishy acting and no comprehensible storyline.

The original series has a very special place in my heart because I used to look forward to watching the re-runs on BBC Two every Friday evening. This would of been around 1994 when I was eleven, so even though I wasn't around when it was first aired, I still have the distinction of seeing the original before the so called remake three years ago!

I saw all the episodes when originally aired in the late sixties / early seventies. To me, then it was unmissable TV (I cannot count the times that I refused invitations because Randall and Hopkirk is on tonight). Over the years the memories faded until I noticed that amazon were selling the complete series on DVD, I have just watched all 26 episodes again. I love the acting and the way the comedy in no way detracts from the serious private eye case in question, I just wish they had made more. The recent attempt at reviving this genre by making a new series was a good chance to carry on the work, but it was an awful re-make, in my opinion the characters were just not believable.

As long as you don't expect too much from the low budget special effects department this series was Brilliant Stuff ! I will be watching it over and over.

Randall and Hopkirk (deceased) was shown in the US during the 1970s under the name My Partner the Ghost. As a child, I remember this series with foundness and every time I think about it a smile appears on my face. I have never been able to see it again since then but I yearn to one day. Once in a while they sell the complete series for about $100 but in Region 2 (UK). I hope that I may stumble on a used version in a used DVD store. It would be like striking oil! I can't express how mesmerizing the theme was or the enticement of waiting for Saturday afternoon to come around so I could watch the episodes when I was a child. I highly recommend for everyone that has any artistic blood for european culture or the swining 60s to see the original series! They are releasing the remade series on A & E Home Video but I fear that the improved special effect will take away from the magic that great acting, wonderfully clever storylines and cheesy special effects gave me three decades ago. If you can get your hands on a copy.....buy it and watch them.

Although I live in the US, I was fortunate to be able to see this series anyway. It was carried on a Canadian network and my cable company carried that channel. I saw this back in the early 70s and loved it. I've not seen it since then, so I only have fond memories to go by. However, I've noticed that Amazon.com is now listing this series in their to-be-released section. Unfortunately, it does not state whether it's the original series or the remake. I'm hoping it's the original because I'd love to see it again.

The last time I've seen this show was on re-runs in the 70's, approximately 1977. Hard to forget the show. Great theme song, beautiful girl, fabulous 60's, and a unique situation. To others who couldn't see Marty, Jeff was often seen talking to himself, making for some hilarious moments. I would love to see, or own, the series again.