Special Branch

Special Branch began in 1969, a combination of studio VT and sporadic 16mm inserts. The stars were Derren Nesbitt and Fulton McKay. But it is best remembered from the third and fourth series (1973-74), made entirely on 16mm by Euston Films, entirely revamped and re-cast. George Sewell assumed the lead as D.C.I. Craven, with Roger Rowlands as North. Patrick Mower replaced him in series 4 as Haggerty, while Paul Eddington guest starred as Strand, a government official. Not quite The Sweeney, but getting there, it was a big hit and travelled well! The music is excellent, managing to be both upbeat and melancholy, while the rapid-cut, crash zoom titles have been coloured in curious shades of green (series 3) and turquoise (series 4); clips above from episodes Red Herring (06/05/73) and Double Exposure (14/02/74).