A series of 26 x half hour adventures imagining (mostly) the swashbuckling adventures of one of England's greatest sea-farers as he works to save his country and his Queen from the evil machinations of the Spaniards. Terence Morgan, in the title role, has some charisma and some skill at the swordplay; Jean Kent as the Queen looks regal enough, though her part is hardly taxing; and a regular supporting cast including Michael Crawford and Roger Delgado as the scheming Spanish Ambassador make for a fun historical romp with little regard to history but lots to action, costumes and, of course, romance! Like the "Adventures of Robin Hood" or "William Tell" etc.; these are good fun family tea-time dramas well worth a watch.
10 Reviews
Through my 12 year old eyes.
mr-jacko23 March 2006
I was one of those kids glued to the TV for every episode! It was my favorite show. I used to look forward to episodes with the ship in them, it was beautiful, to my 12 year old eyes it was real and certainly buckled my 'swash'! I remember the quality of each episode, as a kid, you were there! The acting, settings and costumes were excellent and convincing to me their target audience. Shortly after that we came to Australia where I joined the Royal Australian Navy! I just couldn't wait to get to sea. It made for some great times and great shipmates many of whom are still taking the 'mick' out of each other 35 years down the track. So Thank you to all concerned with the making of this excellent series. It made a difference in my life! PS I still sail a small sloop and still have the Airfix model of Drakes ship I made age 13 :-)
Bringing history to life!
kelly_20072 July 2008
An excellent performance by that very underrated actor, Terence Morgan. You felt that Elizabethan England was in safe hands! How refreshing it was that television used to show real historical characters in series that were attractive to children. Of course Drake was made exceptionally sympathetic but it managed to put over some of the aura that the real historical character must have possessed. Many of the issues raised in this series - starving and underpaid seamen and soldiers, the diplomatic conventions hiding an inevitable move to war, and corruption amongst the great and the good. Maybe it's time for another series on Drake!
Splice the mainbrace for Sir Francis Drake & Terence Morgan
iandbaldwin10 April 2011
This series is loosely based on the story of Sir Francis Drake woven with the characters around at the time- e.g. Sir Thomas Stukely (King of America) and the Irish female pirate Grace O'Malley . It's not historically accurate but poetic licence makes some marvellous viewing all these years since it was made. In parts there is comedy and wit, which I did not pick up on when I watched it as a child. The production values are superb, the picture crisp and the sound good, as are the actors. Queen Elizabeth (Jean Kent) and the Spanish Ambassador (Roger Delgado) deserve a particular mention as thoroughly believable casting. Although there are good sets the shipboard scenes are also filmed at sea. It is also interesting to see a young Michael Crawford in what must be one of his earliest roles.
One of the best shows for children ever
jamesmoule15 December 2006
It was a long time ago. "Sir Francis Drake" was my favourite show. At that time, my family did not own a TV set so I could only watch it when invited by friends. I eagerly awaited each episode. For a period drama for children, this was similar in style to the Richard Greene "Robin Hood". I'm afraid Sir Francis was shown in a much better light than the real person who, by most accounts, was not much above a pirate. The action was great and there was some reference to historical accuracy which made school history come to life. To this day I still remember the music, played by a full symphony orchestra. How did they get such realistic 16th century ships? Were they models? I'd love to see the series again and appraise it with my sceptical adult eye.
Great Entertainment
williamsfzr22 July 2020
The best of the ITC historical series commissioned for ITV, Terence Morgan can actually act and makes the swordfencing exiting and seem more realistic than some of his contemporaries. Great to spot Michael Crawford and the big guy I remember from the St Bruno tobacco ads from the 60s and 70s amongst others. Altogether great entertainment when it was released and is still valid today.
I remember this one!
coop-162 February 2002
Though I was very young at the time, I remember this well acted,handsomely mounted"swashbuckler".It was probably one of my first sources for British history.,and not a bad one ,as all the episodes were well researched.
Classic TV at its best
cgrant-255923 September 2020
I am so pleased that (in the UK) the Talking Pictures channel is running the whole of this series. Like some of the other contributors I haven't seen them since I was a nipper but they must have made a big impression on my young mind as the music and sets are so familiar.
Its also fascinating to spot guest stars in early roles - Michael Anderson Jnr, Michael Crawford, Nanette Newman, David McCallum, Howard Lang, and of all people the bloke from 'Play School' Brian Cant who played a small part in one episode, to name but a few.
They don't make them like this anymore . . .
Its also fascinating to spot guest stars in early roles - Michael Anderson Jnr, Michael Crawford, Nanette Newman, David McCallum, Howard Lang, and of all people the bloke from 'Play School' Brian Cant who played a small part in one episode, to name but a few.
They don't make them like this anymore . . .
Excellent!
aOTRfan17 August 1999
Was a summer replacement on U.S. TV for "Car 54". Of all of the ITC historical drama/action shows this one had the highest standards -and it showed. A lot of effort went into correct clothes, sets and historical information. A REAL pity it only lasted one season. A bigger pity is that ITC of England has not released this show for video.
So this is where it came from!
Mister-UHF23 August 2002
Two or three times in elementary school in Maryland in the early 1970's, we saw a half-hour black and white film about the round-the-world voyage of Sir Francis Drake. It had much better production values than the typical 16mm classroom film of the time and I always wondered where it came from.
Now I know -- it must have been an episode of this series. I'd love to see it and other episodes, especially since I now live in the state named after Queen Elizabeth I.
Now I know -- it must have been an episode of this series. I'd love to see it and other episodes, especially since I now live in the state named after Queen Elizabeth I.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
