Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12306 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-07-19
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 650 minutes

Synopsis
The first series of the popular private detective series from the late 60s.

Customer Reviews

Marker's Domain
Public Eye will be known to many who are old enough to remember the 1960s.The series ran on British TV from 1965 to 1975 encompassing seven series, first produced by ABC TV and then by Thames TV. The main character is Frank Marker a lone private detective whose claim to fame is the off white raincoat he wears that has seen better days. This is the fourth series and the first to have been revived through DVD. Produced mainly in black and white it opens with Frank waiting for his release from prison. He moves to Brighton where he takes on a number of jobs under the guidance of his probation officer. Yet Frank finds it difficult to settle into life outside the confines of prison but he is determined to make a go of it. He wants to go back and go it alone, against the wishes of his probation officer.
The audience is introduced to Alfred Burke a well-known actor who is perfect for the role. His portrayal gives Marker realism and honesty. Series four sees the introduction of supporting cast members Pauline Delany who plays Helen Mortimer, Frank's landlady and Scottish actor John Grieve in the role of Jim Hull the probation officer. Alas most of the episodes from series 1 2 and 3 have been lost over the years however what remains is true to the ethos that is Public Eye.There is a line that sums up the character of Marker. The scene is set in the kitchen where Helen Mortimer and Jim Hull are having a conversation over Frank's future. "Frank is a lone man, a lonely man. Don't try and make a future for him". For those who remember the series then it is a welcome return, for those who are not familiar with the series then it is a must.

60's survivor
This is one of the very few TV series which deals with the down to earth problems we all face in life seen through the eyes of a down at heel private eye. At the very outset of the first series it was clear that Marker had more or less 'seen it all' however by the time this series starts he has to recover from a spell in prison. In 1969 Brighton had seen better days and reflects Marker's personality and situation. The gaunt spare figure of marker and the minimalist jazz-based signature tune perfectly fit the lone private eye constantly looking into, but never being part of, mainstream life.

If you never see another 1960's series see this one. It is unique.

Lives Up To Expectations!
For fans of this series, 1960's nostalgia, but quality television in general, this is an absolute treat. This DVD set focuses on the fourth series from 1969 set in Brighton (almost all the earlier episodes are sadly lost.)

I had never seen these episodes, all but one in black and white, but had been hugely impressed by the later colour ones. I never seriously thought I'd be let down but even I was delighted by the quality of the seven stories. They really form a serial rather than a conventional series as they track Marker from his release from prison (following a wrongful conviction) through his parole and eventually setting up his own inquiry agency.

For those who have seen the later series, the same qualities are still present but amplified. Marker is a loner with the right principles but here he is more introverted, more bitter and resentful. The stories show his rightful frustration as the authorities and most of the public refuse to trust him and dog his every move. He is determined to plough his own furrow, refusing to make the "friends" that the "experts" such as his well-meaning probation officer feel he needs. He encounters the familiar stories of misery, corruption and vindictiveness which he handles skilfully but wearily.

There are some recurring characters that help the continuity and contrast. Mr. Hull, the probation officer (John Grieve) tries to help Marker but often has his hands tied by the official rules. Helen Mortimer (Pauline Delany), Marker's landlady, is the only person with whom he develops a warm but not especially close relationship. There are hints that it could have developed further - certainly on her part - but it remains firmly platonic. In two episodes Stanley Meadows plays Rylands, a dodgy private detective with whom Marker is uneasily placed.

All these parts are really well-played but especially impressive are Alfred Burke, Pauline Delany and John Grieve, who inspire great affection in their portrayals. The writing though is the key. Roger Marshall, the co-creator of the show, penned all the stories with superb results, maintaing great continuity. Direction is uniformly excellent, best demonstrated in the brilliantly stark and bleak titles. Robert Earley's evocative theme is also perfectly reworked. This was a series that was made with real care - nothing was out-of-place.

All the episdeos are of high quality but most notable are "My Life's My Own", featuring a very fine performance by Stephanie Beacham, "The Comedian's Graveyard" (with Tessa Wyatt and Joe Melia as a seedy comic), and the final "A Fixed Address" which is in colour.

The DVD set also includes various extras, including a very arly episode (actually not so effective due to Marker's limited role), rare stills but best of all great interviews with Marshall and Alfred Burke who talk with great insight. I have been delighted with this purchase and there are many more people who will appreciate it - hopefully you're one of them.