An anthology series dramatising true stories of the French Foreign Legion, introduced by a roving female correspondent.
This anthology series is framed by the work of a journalist (Merle Oberon) who uncovers stories from the case files of the French Foreign Legion. Each episode is a self-contained drama, introduced by Oberon, which reconstructs a real-life tale of a Legionnaire’s service during the Second World War. The individual stories are constructed to illustrate the Legion’s motto: “Honour, Valour, Fidelity and Discipline,” with a new cast of characters and guest actors for each instalment.
A vehicle for its star, former Hollywood leading lady Merle Oberon, the series was an ambitious production from her husband, executive producer Anthony C. Bartley. The production company initially worked closely with the French Foreign Legion, filming on location in Algeria and Morocco to achieve a high degree of authenticity. This plan was cut short when nationalist rebellions in the region made filming untenable, forcing the remainder of the series to be completed in England. The anthology format, a staple of 1950s television, proved to be an excellent platform for a formidable roster of British actors, many of whom were in the early stages of their careers, including Christopher Lee, Patrick McGoohan, and Roger Moore.
Broadcast: ITV – Intel Films, 26 Episodes, 15 September 1956 – 5 October 1958
Writers include: Paul Monash, Max Ehrlich, James Carhartt & Nicholas Winter, Carey Wilber
Executive Producer: Anthony C. Bartley
Main Cast: Merle Oberon
Guest Cast includes: Lionel Jeffries, Alfred Burke, Patrick Allen, Christopher Lee, Norman Rossington, Patrick Barr, Patrick McGoohan, Roger Moore, Dennis Price, Anthony Newley, Peter Wyngarde, Richard Johnson, Adrienne Corri, Roger Delgado, Patrick Troughton, Michael Ripper
