As a child of the 60's and 70's, I was a complete sucker for all the ABC fantasy / thriller programmes which were so much in abundance at the time. I guess it started with "The Avengers" and "The Saint", continued with "The Baron", "Man in a Suitcase" and "The Prisoner" but for me it really kicked in with the more "out-there" shows - "Department S", "The Champions" and of course this, the great "Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased)". I remember having to watch it on re-runs very late at night but always thrilling to the outlandish mis-en-scene, and slightly tongue-in-cheek lead acting of hangdog Jeff Pratt and chirpy Kenneth Cope. Each episode was not unnaturally a variation on a theme, with down on his luck private eye Randall invariably taking on a case which got him into hot water and required the assistance of his partner the ghost. The plotting was always inventive, the acting engaging and looking back now of course you get the extra benefit of seeing vintage exteriors, cars and fashions - and yes, Annette Andre was a visual delight to my 10 year-old eyes. I'm so pleased to own this and many of the other series mentioned above. Haven't got round to watching them all yet (the curse of the DVD boxed set!) but as I write this, somewhere there's a voice coming through the ether saying "Only you, Jeff, only you" and I know that I will sit down one day in my dotage and view them all wall-to-wall and I know I'll forgive the continuity errors, low-budget sets and corny special effects as I happily regress again to age 10.
29 Reviews
Unsual, whimsical
bjacob4 January 2018
The premise is so absurd (a detective solves cases with the help of the ghost of his deceased business partner) and the special effects so primitive, that it's very surprising how well it works.
The atmosphere is almost Hitchcockian in the first episodes, with some comedy added. But the grittiness is such that an alternative interpretation is possible: that there's no ghost and the cases actually happen only in the confused mind of the surviving partner. In the latter episodes the tone is mellower and more comical -- personally I prefer the early ones, but I know that opinions differ on that.
The actors are all fantastic, especially Mike Pratt -- a Bogart in minor mode, with his perma-ciggie, elegance and the battered look of someone who has seen too much of the world.
Unlike other commentators, I saw this series for the first time as an adult, and I was surprised that it has a moderate reputation for being a children's show: it's way too scary for kids. Still, it totally deserves to be rediscovered.
The atmosphere is almost Hitchcockian in the first episodes, with some comedy added. But the grittiness is such that an alternative interpretation is possible: that there's no ghost and the cases actually happen only in the confused mind of the surviving partner. In the latter episodes the tone is mellower and more comical -- personally I prefer the early ones, but I know that opinions differ on that.
The actors are all fantastic, especially Mike Pratt -- a Bogart in minor mode, with his perma-ciggie, elegance and the battered look of someone who has seen too much of the world.
Unlike other commentators, I saw this series for the first time as an adult, and I was surprised that it has a moderate reputation for being a children's show: it's way too scary for kids. Still, it totally deserves to be rediscovered.
More Originality From The Golden Age.
screenman7 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
A simple crime drama was given a new and original premise; one of the stars was a ghost. Marty Hopkirk's murder occurred in the first screening.
It was during his funeral that his ghost returned, and became visible only to his partner, Jeff Randall. Now dressed in a white suit with matching shirt and tie, he over-stayed his alloted time and was doomed to remain indefinitely. There being nothing better to do; why not make it the basis for comedy drama?
The idea was simply and solidly presented. There were no preposterous over-the-top special effects. Budgets wouldn't have run to them even if they could have been successfully produced. Marty was there or he wasn't, with a simple musical 'ping'. He caused chaotic winds and slammed doors and did all of the other things antagonistic spirits and poltergeists are supposed to do.
The chemistry between the two protagonists Jeff Randall and Marty Hopkirk was extremely well developed as the series advanced, as was the rather ambiguous position of his widow/girlfriend Jeannie. Their adventures were fairly humdrum, but the curious involvement of the astral plane made them all that little bit more exciting.
This was original fare from the 1965/75 decade of British television originality. There has never been a decade like it before or since.
It also came with a wonderfully enigmatic theme tune that hit just the right pitch between drama, wonder and trendy jazz. It entirely suited the program and wasn't just a 'musak' cover for the credits.
Vic Reeves & Bob Mortimer attempted to reprise the format during the 1990's with much more sophisticated effects, and if anyone could have pulled it off I would have credited them with the achievement. Yet somehow it just didn't work. They themselves are very much an original creation and for that reason alone their hearts may not have been fully committed. Whatever the case - as we so often find - original is best.
This program may have come at the end of the swinging decade, but it packs all of the merits and then some. Two short series are all that were made, yet they have been repeated every few years and still seem as fresh as ever. If you want to buy them on DVD, so long as you don't pay silly money, you're in for an entertaining time.
It was during his funeral that his ghost returned, and became visible only to his partner, Jeff Randall. Now dressed in a white suit with matching shirt and tie, he over-stayed his alloted time and was doomed to remain indefinitely. There being nothing better to do; why not make it the basis for comedy drama?
The idea was simply and solidly presented. There were no preposterous over-the-top special effects. Budgets wouldn't have run to them even if they could have been successfully produced. Marty was there or he wasn't, with a simple musical 'ping'. He caused chaotic winds and slammed doors and did all of the other things antagonistic spirits and poltergeists are supposed to do.
The chemistry between the two protagonists Jeff Randall and Marty Hopkirk was extremely well developed as the series advanced, as was the rather ambiguous position of his widow/girlfriend Jeannie. Their adventures were fairly humdrum, but the curious involvement of the astral plane made them all that little bit more exciting.
This was original fare from the 1965/75 decade of British television originality. There has never been a decade like it before or since.
It also came with a wonderfully enigmatic theme tune that hit just the right pitch between drama, wonder and trendy jazz. It entirely suited the program and wasn't just a 'musak' cover for the credits.
Vic Reeves & Bob Mortimer attempted to reprise the format during the 1990's with much more sophisticated effects, and if anyone could have pulled it off I would have credited them with the achievement. Yet somehow it just didn't work. They themselves are very much an original creation and for that reason alone their hearts may not have been fully committed. Whatever the case - as we so often find - original is best.
This program may have come at the end of the swinging decade, but it packs all of the merits and then some. Two short series are all that were made, yet they have been repeated every few years and still seem as fresh as ever. If you want to buy them on DVD, so long as you don't pay silly money, you're in for an entertaining time.
Wonderful TV Nostalgia
fleetstar28 July 2003
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.
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.
My first childhood experience with european culture!
abiseid18 February 2004
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.
My Partner The Ghost
richard.fuller130 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Unlike British sitcoms (which aired on ETV, our educational network), for some odd reason, we would get British dramas syndicated on regular network TV.
Roger Moore's The Saint would air weekday afternoons for a while & The Champions came on too early Saturday mornings.
Don't recall when My Partner The Ghost came on, I think Saturday afternoons or somewhere there.
Left an impression obviously, because I recalled the theme and more of the adventures than I realized.
So I looked it up (thinking it was Ian McShane on the show) and was finally given the English title, Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased).
Just received the DVD set of thirteen episodes yesterday and this show was truly a delight.
What many don't seem to note is that the show didn't just go for Topper scenarios. HOpkirk couldn't touch anyone, so at best all he could do was tell Jeff things.
Yet many of these episodes show interesting setups for a ghost, much like Darren McGavin's Nightstalker would use spooks and legends from several cultures.
People under hypnosis can hear Marty Hopkirk, there is a soothsayer who thinks she is bogus and later learns she can contact the dead (much like Whoopi Goldberg would do in "Ghost"), a maid who simply always had 'the gift' can see Marty, animals can sense him, an exorcist can perceive him, then there is another ghost that only Marty can see, Jeff and Marty do a 'mind-reading' bit and several other setups.
Had the show continued, I imagine crazy people in the hospital or elderly folks with 'one foot in the grave' would see Marty as well.
The two actors in the title roles, Mike Pratt and Kenneth Cope, both totally unfamiliar to me, do the partner bit well, extremely well, as they really do seem like unlikely friends.
I imagine had the show had a decent run, in the end, Jeff would have had to marry Marty's widow. Perhaps it is good that didn't take place, some may say, but it is fun to think it did end happily ever after.
Roger Moore's The Saint would air weekday afternoons for a while & The Champions came on too early Saturday mornings.
Don't recall when My Partner The Ghost came on, I think Saturday afternoons or somewhere there.
Left an impression obviously, because I recalled the theme and more of the adventures than I realized.
So I looked it up (thinking it was Ian McShane on the show) and was finally given the English title, Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased).
Just received the DVD set of thirteen episodes yesterday and this show was truly a delight.
What many don't seem to note is that the show didn't just go for Topper scenarios. HOpkirk couldn't touch anyone, so at best all he could do was tell Jeff things.
Yet many of these episodes show interesting setups for a ghost, much like Darren McGavin's Nightstalker would use spooks and legends from several cultures.
People under hypnosis can hear Marty Hopkirk, there is a soothsayer who thinks she is bogus and later learns she can contact the dead (much like Whoopi Goldberg would do in "Ghost"), a maid who simply always had 'the gift' can see Marty, animals can sense him, an exorcist can perceive him, then there is another ghost that only Marty can see, Jeff and Marty do a 'mind-reading' bit and several other setups.
Had the show continued, I imagine crazy people in the hospital or elderly folks with 'one foot in the grave' would see Marty as well.
The two actors in the title roles, Mike Pratt and Kenneth Cope, both totally unfamiliar to me, do the partner bit well, extremely well, as they really do seem like unlikely friends.
I imagine had the show had a decent run, in the end, Jeff would have had to marry Marty's widow. Perhaps it is good that didn't take place, some may say, but it is fun to think it did end happily ever after.
Classic
onlisonptp16 November 2020
Faithful Unto Death
ShadeGrenade19 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
'Randall & Hopkirk ( Deceased ) came in at the end of the '60's, when audiences were tiring of spy shows and wanted something different. Dennis Spooner's offbeat show centred around a two-man detective agency with a difference - one of them was dead! Marty Hopkirk is murdered while on a case and his ghost returns to Earth to help Jeff Randall bring the killer to book. By staying longer than one day Marty violates an ancient curse and is doomed to remain a spectre forever.
The plots were essentially formulaic crime dramas, but given an interesting and humorous twist by the strange premise.
'Jeff Randall' and 'Marty Hopkirk' were superbly played by Mike Pratt and Kenneth Cope respectfully, the latter drawing on years of comedy experience in such shows as 'T.W.3'. Annette Andre provided glamour as Hopkirk's widow 'Jeannie'. A young David Jason appeared briefly in the episode 'That's How Murder Snowballs'.
As well as the chemistry between the leads, the show had an unmistakable air of melancholia, as typified in the opening of 'Never Trust A Ghost', in which Marty is seen aimlessly pacing the streets of London at night.
Edwin Astley's haunting music also contributed much to the atmosphere of this classic show. Sadly, there was no second series. But the first kept being repeated throughout the '70's, '80's and '90's. Most recently, it has been on I.T.V.-4.
The plots were essentially formulaic crime dramas, but given an interesting and humorous twist by the strange premise.
'Jeff Randall' and 'Marty Hopkirk' were superbly played by Mike Pratt and Kenneth Cope respectfully, the latter drawing on years of comedy experience in such shows as 'T.W.3'. Annette Andre provided glamour as Hopkirk's widow 'Jeannie'. A young David Jason appeared briefly in the episode 'That's How Murder Snowballs'.
As well as the chemistry between the leads, the show had an unmistakable air of melancholia, as typified in the opening of 'Never Trust A Ghost', in which Marty is seen aimlessly pacing the streets of London at night.
Edwin Astley's haunting music also contributed much to the atmosphere of this classic show. Sadly, there was no second series. But the first kept being repeated throughout the '70's, '80's and '90's. Most recently, it has been on I.T.V.-4.
Great show
scottbarry-8835822 September 2020
A Great Vintage Show, But One Series Was Probably Enough
By-TorX-116 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
The 1960s produced a consistent number of imaginative UK television shows that, from science fiction and the supernatural, to crime dramas with international sleuths and adventurers, and Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) fused the supernatural with the hardboiled detective genre in an engaging style. Thus, the adventures of Jeff Randall and his ghostly partner, Marty Hopkirk (who only Jeff can see) makes for a great team, a factor helped by the obvious onscreen charisma of Mike Pratt and Kenneth Cope (and not forgetting the contribution of Annette Andre as Jeannie, whose widowed life gives the series a sense of poignancy as Marty helplessly and invisibily looks on). As such, our private investigator gets into all kinds of scrapes, only to be helped (and frequently saved) by his spectral friend. Ok, the effects are dated and were not exactly sophisticated in the first place (obvious strings on flying vases, jerky edits, Marty always casting a shadow and tripping over some foliage in one scene), but who cares when the writing and acting is so engaging? Not me, that's for sure. However, while many reviewers lament the fact that not that many episodes were made, it was probably a good thing. This is because each episode pretty much follows a standard formula, with Jeff ignoring Marty's warnings about a case and ending up being overpowered and captured by an assortment of gangsters and heavies, duped by duplicitous women, tied to various items of furniture, or locked in a myriad of rooms. All of this results in Marty having to contact a conveniently large number of local mediums, people in a hypnotic trance (who can hear Marty's voice within their mesmerised state), or swinging party goers mucking about with Ouija boards to get the police a-rushing to Jeff's rescue (and they always do, without asking any questions). Indeed, you could play an enjoyable drinking game based on how many times Jeff is knocked unconscious per episode (not forgetting a secondary game based on how many times Jeff is accused of committing the crimes he is investigating by the police). Consequently, given the number of beatings, concussions and near-death scrapes Jeff gets into (and the fact that he is always broke), you wonder why he sticks with the PI game at all (especially when he cleans up at a poker game, aided by Marty's ability to see all of the other players' cards - he could be rich on the pro-poker circuit!). Consequently, the narrative deja vu does become a little wearisome and so it is difficult to see where the show could have gone in any further series (lacking the almost endless inventive possibilities of alternative shows such as The Avengers, for instance). However, Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) remains a delightful and original series, and you just go with formula due to the charisma of Jeff and Marty, and it is a shame that we did not get a concluding episode as the series was cut short.
Not bad, but ...
fdt-078133 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I have mixed feelings about this show. Some episodes were brilliant, others very much less so.
The series started off very well and most of the earlier episodes were very entertaining with quite a bit of comedy thrown in, and some very absurd, weird, and even likeable villains. However, as the show progressed, it seemed to take a darker turn: less comedy and more brutal bad guys.
(I have noticed another reviewer saying the exact opposite - perhaps the version I watched, which followed the episode sequence listed here on IMDB, had the episodes in a different order?)
I also got the impression that the writers started running out of ideas: episodes became somewhat repetitive and an actual chore to watch. I persevered but ultimately I was glad to see the end of it - and perhaps this is one of the reasons that no further episodes were made.
As far as the acting is concerned, I think Mike Pratt was brilliant as Jeff Randall; however, I found Marty the ghost, as well as his widow Jean, somewhat annoying - not necessarily due to bad acting, but rather the blandness and gullibility of the characters themselves.
Among the guest/recurring cast I want to single out Judith Arthy appearing in two episodes as Jean's sister Jennifer: I think she was brilliant and gorgeous - would really have liked to have seen her in more episodes.
In summary then, a bit of a roller-coaster ride, with some episodes which I will not easily forget, but most of them I do not care to remember. Like a minority of reviews here, perhaps mine seems unnecessarily harsh, but as one of those reviewers pointed out, I haven't seen this series as a child either, so there is no nostalgia factor - which may go some way in accounting for the differences in opinion.
The series started off very well and most of the earlier episodes were very entertaining with quite a bit of comedy thrown in, and some very absurd, weird, and even likeable villains. However, as the show progressed, it seemed to take a darker turn: less comedy and more brutal bad guys.
(I have noticed another reviewer saying the exact opposite - perhaps the version I watched, which followed the episode sequence listed here on IMDB, had the episodes in a different order?)
I also got the impression that the writers started running out of ideas: episodes became somewhat repetitive and an actual chore to watch. I persevered but ultimately I was glad to see the end of it - and perhaps this is one of the reasons that no further episodes were made.
As far as the acting is concerned, I think Mike Pratt was brilliant as Jeff Randall; however, I found Marty the ghost, as well as his widow Jean, somewhat annoying - not necessarily due to bad acting, but rather the blandness and gullibility of the characters themselves.
Among the guest/recurring cast I want to single out Judith Arthy appearing in two episodes as Jean's sister Jennifer: I think she was brilliant and gorgeous - would really have liked to have seen her in more episodes.
In summary then, a bit of a roller-coaster ride, with some episodes which I will not easily forget, but most of them I do not care to remember. Like a minority of reviews here, perhaps mine seems unnecessarily harsh, but as one of those reviewers pointed out, I haven't seen this series as a child either, so there is no nostalgia factor - which may go some way in accounting for the differences in opinion.
Extremely Funny
mjb442olds1 March 2003
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.
"You're the one Jeff, only you"
ygwerin12 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I missed the original broadcast of this show and, it was years later before I finally caught up with it.
I can't honestly remember which channel I watched it on, or how many of the episodes I have actually watched. My viewing experience of the show over the years is somewhat erratic, with a episode here and there and seldom more than a couple in succession.
I really like the show its a great original idea, excellent characters and cast, and good quirky storylines.
Before I get on with my review I'll get this gripe out of the way, it annoys the heck out of me the way that Annette Andre is described as the shows glamour aspect. in a typically male chauvinistic manner that ignores her acting abilities.
I feel that it's strange for the program to be called My Partner the Ghost in the States, this is not the strangest part, I simply don't believe that yanks can't understand the concept of Deceased. The notion of Focus Groups to help determine viewers ideas on comedies, highlights a key difference between American and British ideas. This sounds more like corporate interference or busybodies. With local businessmen and their parochial view of the world, deciding on what programmes people should be able to watch.
The show revolves around a team of three characters, Jeff Randall and Marty Hopkirk who run a private detective agency, with Jean Hopkirk acting as their Secretary. They are played to perfection by Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope, and Annette Andre. They work together more of an extended family than workmates, with the couple and their friend.
In the first episode Jeff and Marty are involved in a case where Marty is murdered, but everyone including Jean and Jeff believes it is an accident. Marty is forced to return as a ghost to try and convince a startled and confused Jeff that he was murdered, and their partnership from then on takes on a new dimension.
Through the entire run of the show we mainly see Marty as a ghost, apart from that part of the opening episode My Late Lamented Friend and Partner and that of the Ghost Speaks. When we see Marty in retrospect, Jeff is in hospital and Marty endeavours to describe an important case that he had to solve on his own. Jeff had been away on another case in Scotland, with Jean becoming embroiled in Marty's case, she ended up explaining the case to Jeff.
A lot of the shows humour comes from the interaction between Jeff and Marty, of how they relate and respond to each other. Marty is understandably still very protective of Jean, and worries if he feels anything untoward may happen to her. Because Marty died unexpectantly he still feels emotionally linked to Jean, and he can't let go and allow her to make new relationships. He's frankly jealous of Jeff, and feels impelled to intervene between them. Jeff and Jean only have to meet on the most innocuous of occasions, for Marty to go out of his to find out about it, always assuming the worst.
Yes this show is quirky, made on the cheap, with equivalent production considerations, but personally that's part of the interest and appeal. It's easy for these matters to put people off the program, especially anyone more used to yank shows. American programmes seem to have more disposable income, to aid them to be flasher, and yes quirky but in an altogether more irritating manner. Its of course a matter of opinion as to whether they pull it off, sometimes they manage to, but for me it's as much to do with the manner its told.
American shows appear formulaic, I get the impression that at least some of them are created to a formula. With possibly a Focus Group looking through forms ticking boxes, to meet perceived criteria of who to include, or more likely to represent. These days there seems to be an overwhelming desire, to include or not exclude, just about everyone conceivable. With carefully worked out quotient's of just how quirky to make it.
Whereas brit shows especially those of yesteryear, seemed more inclined to simply play it straight. By not trying to be quirky, they managed to achieve it inadvertently, just like Randall and Hopkirk Deceased.
I really like the show its a great original idea, excellent characters and cast, and good quirky storylines.
Before I get on with my review I'll get this gripe out of the way, it annoys the heck out of me the way that Annette Andre is described as the shows glamour aspect. in a typically male chauvinistic manner that ignores her acting abilities.
I feel that it's strange for the program to be called My Partner the Ghost in the States, this is not the strangest part, I simply don't believe that yanks can't understand the concept of Deceased. The notion of Focus Groups to help determine viewers ideas on comedies, highlights a key difference between American and British ideas. This sounds more like corporate interference or busybodies. With local businessmen and their parochial view of the world, deciding on what programmes people should be able to watch.
The show revolves around a team of three characters, Jeff Randall and Marty Hopkirk who run a private detective agency, with Jean Hopkirk acting as their Secretary. They are played to perfection by Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope, and Annette Andre. They work together more of an extended family than workmates, with the couple and their friend.
In the first episode Jeff and Marty are involved in a case where Marty is murdered, but everyone including Jean and Jeff believes it is an accident. Marty is forced to return as a ghost to try and convince a startled and confused Jeff that he was murdered, and their partnership from then on takes on a new dimension.
Through the entire run of the show we mainly see Marty as a ghost, apart from that part of the opening episode My Late Lamented Friend and Partner and that of the Ghost Speaks. When we see Marty in retrospect, Jeff is in hospital and Marty endeavours to describe an important case that he had to solve on his own. Jeff had been away on another case in Scotland, with Jean becoming embroiled in Marty's case, she ended up explaining the case to Jeff.
A lot of the shows humour comes from the interaction between Jeff and Marty, of how they relate and respond to each other. Marty is understandably still very protective of Jean, and worries if he feels anything untoward may happen to her. Because Marty died unexpectantly he still feels emotionally linked to Jean, and he can't let go and allow her to make new relationships. He's frankly jealous of Jeff, and feels impelled to intervene between them. Jeff and Jean only have to meet on the most innocuous of occasions, for Marty to go out of his to find out about it, always assuming the worst.
Yes this show is quirky, made on the cheap, with equivalent production considerations, but personally that's part of the interest and appeal. It's easy for these matters to put people off the program, especially anyone more used to yank shows. American programmes seem to have more disposable income, to aid them to be flasher, and yes quirky but in an altogether more irritating manner. Its of course a matter of opinion as to whether they pull it off, sometimes they manage to, but for me it's as much to do with the manner its told.
American shows appear formulaic, I get the impression that at least some of them are created to a formula. With possibly a Focus Group looking through forms ticking boxes, to meet perceived criteria of who to include, or more likely to represent. These days there seems to be an overwhelming desire, to include or not exclude, just about everyone conceivable. With carefully worked out quotient's of just how quirky to make it.
Whereas brit shows especially those of yesteryear, seemed more inclined to simply play it straight. By not trying to be quirky, they managed to achieve it inadvertently, just like Randall and Hopkirk Deceased.
t.v. series "My Partner, The Ghost".. . . .
axemania0030 September 2006
I would like to first say that as a child, I really liked this series. It was unique that way, with the living and the deceased working together. Sounds a little morbid yes, but since it was a comedy, it worked well for me. It's been a long time since I've seen it but I can still remember it in few details. One thing that strikes me odd, as an adult looking back, is Martin Hopkirk was married. P.I.s usually didn't marry. It's, at times, an extremely dangerous job. Nevertheless, He married. But the relationship between the three was wonderfully warm. More than a partnership, it was a friendship. I detected a light-hearted sweetness about this comedy. I think if it were more serious,it still would have been adored just the same. Other British tele shows come to mind as I think of this one, The Saint and The Avengers. And I loved those shows as well. But this one truly delved into the extremes of life and relationships. I dig British T.V.!!!
A Missed Gem
edelguinan7 May 2023
I have to be honest, being a fan of nostalgic tv shows I avoided this show as I thought it was a ludicrous concept, Only recently did I accidentally watch an episode prompting me to watch the first episode, and I was hooked. I can't believe now that it did not get a longer run, main actors highly underrated. Marty and Jeff's relationship is pure bro code, Jeff looking after/providing for Marty's widow Jeanie for no other reason but she is his best friend's widow. Jeanie is a very strong and likeable character, which is unusual in these shows. Marty, finally, is comedy gold, great chemistry between him and Jeff.
Still as enjoyable as in the 60s...
Design8811 October 2022
As a child in the 60s my whole family loved this series. It's just as enjoyable today. The chemistry between Randall and Hopkirk is great and there's just the right balance between humour and an action packed cosy mystery to solve. Each episode solves a case and Hopkirk is adorable in his white suit and helpless panic all the time. It's fun to watch him improve his powers from the beyond. I don't know why the original show has had a change of name but it airs in the UK with it's original title. I heard there was a remake a few years ago but I haven't wanted to check it out because I love the original. There's actually a lot more action than I remembered and poor Randall is beaten up in every episode more than once!! Lots of work for his stunt double but it looks like he probably incurred a lot of bumps and scrapes himself during the making of the show. Great wholesome fun.
what a pleasant surprise
gorytus-2067219 November 2021
November 2021
For some reason i had never seen a single episode of Randall and Hopkirk deceased before, despite the fact its repeated regurlarly on freeview channels.
Much to my surprise if turns out it is a fantastic series, as good as any other from the period, right up there with The Avengers.
I just went through all 26 episodes, and was disappointed thats all there was.
Virtually every episode is a veritable who's who of recognisable faces, some that went on to be big names such as David Jason, and others that you would of seen in things like The Saint and Department S.
I was also unaware there had been a series remake in the year 2000, so i have promptly ordered that on dvd, and am hoping it will be as good.
Recommended.
9 out of 10.
For some reason i had never seen a single episode of Randall and Hopkirk deceased before, despite the fact its repeated regurlarly on freeview channels.
Much to my surprise if turns out it is a fantastic series, as good as any other from the period, right up there with The Avengers.
I just went through all 26 episodes, and was disappointed thats all there was.
Virtually every episode is a veritable who's who of recognisable faces, some that went on to be big names such as David Jason, and others that you would of seen in things like The Saint and Department S.
I was also unaware there had been a series remake in the year 2000, so i have promptly ordered that on dvd, and am hoping it will be as good.
Recommended.
9 out of 10.
I still like it but god the stories.
ib011f9545i3 February 2019
I have fond memories of watching this when I was 10 or 12.
I was shown on tv on a Sunday lunchtime.
It was not a kids show but it was light, it had humour.
Nearly every episode features bumbling Scotland Yard detectives and pretty girls. Watching it now it seems odd that nearly everybody smokes and drinks all the time.
Now being more than 11 I can appreciate the beauty of Annette Andre.
But like all the ITC series to enjoy this you have to accept the same locations again and again and the awful lack of plots.
There are several episodes which seem to rip of others in the series,they ran out of plots but just kept waking the series anyway.
London is shown to be full of pretty girls,gangsters and seedy clubs and bars. I was a bit disappointed when I first visited London and discovered it had less seediness and more sunshine than shown in this series.
Nearly every episode features bumbling Scotland Yard detectives and pretty girls. Watching it now it seems odd that nearly everybody smokes and drinks all the time.
Now being more than 11 I can appreciate the beauty of Annette Andre.
But like all the ITC series to enjoy this you have to accept the same locations again and again and the awful lack of plots.
There are several episodes which seem to rip of others in the series,they ran out of plots but just kept waking the series anyway.
London is shown to be full of pretty girls,gangsters and seedy clubs and bars. I was a bit disappointed when I first visited London and discovered it had less seediness and more sunshine than shown in this series.
Nostalgia is its only strength...
JonathanWalford12 August 2011
The positive reviews for this show were nearly all written by people who had memories of having seen this series as a child. I too can wax poetic about Gilligan's Island but that doesn't make it Chekov -- The fact is this series is dreadful. The concept is good and should provide lots of fodder for episodes, but the writing, acting and production is too amateurish and simplistic.
The cheap production values almost make it a candidate for cult status but the cheesiness isn't quite enough to work: visible wires, the movement of actors between stop takes for the ghost to disappear, the same extras used over and over (in one scene an old lady appears in two different hats and a fur coat exiting a theatre), and obvious two dimensional pictures outside windows of street scenes and buildings.
The no-name actors are so stiff and unfunny I was unaware this series was supposed to be a comedy until the 3rd episode. Not that I feel lead actors should always be young and handsome, but the lead actor who plays the living detective is also in shockingly bad shape for a 38 year old - he looks 50!
The far fetched story lines echo some of the great sci-fi Brit series of the period, from The Prisoner to The Avengers, but there is no originality or thought put into the episodes by the writers to try to make the stories credible. The episodes always rely on some far fetched scheme by some master criminal that uses some inexplicable technology or parapsychology to steal a secret formula, from body doubles and hypnosis to cross dressing and machines that make things fly around the room. The problem is in this case the writers were in way over their head and had no idea how to maintain that kind of creative writing. They should have stuck to simple murders and robberies.
Probably the best episode I saw (I could only manage 6 episodes before I had to turn it off) involved a murder of a mind reader in a music hall. The story is given away at the very beginning when a 'lady' from the audience is asked to load a bullet into a gun. The lady is 6 foot 3 inches tall and has 5 o'clock shadow...
The cheap production values almost make it a candidate for cult status but the cheesiness isn't quite enough to work: visible wires, the movement of actors between stop takes for the ghost to disappear, the same extras used over and over (in one scene an old lady appears in two different hats and a fur coat exiting a theatre), and obvious two dimensional pictures outside windows of street scenes and buildings.
The no-name actors are so stiff and unfunny I was unaware this series was supposed to be a comedy until the 3rd episode. Not that I feel lead actors should always be young and handsome, but the lead actor who plays the living detective is also in shockingly bad shape for a 38 year old - he looks 50!
The far fetched story lines echo some of the great sci-fi Brit series of the period, from The Prisoner to The Avengers, but there is no originality or thought put into the episodes by the writers to try to make the stories credible. The episodes always rely on some far fetched scheme by some master criminal that uses some inexplicable technology or parapsychology to steal a secret formula, from body doubles and hypnosis to cross dressing and machines that make things fly around the room. The problem is in this case the writers were in way over their head and had no idea how to maintain that kind of creative writing. They should have stuck to simple murders and robberies.
Probably the best episode I saw (I could only manage 6 episodes before I had to turn it off) involved a murder of a mind reader in a music hall. The story is given away at the very beginning when a 'lady' from the audience is asked to load a bullet into a gun. The lady is 6 foot 3 inches tall and has 5 o'clock shadow...
See It Now
TheUmbrellaCorp11 February 2002
I was 9 when Randall And Hopkirk was fist shown on T.V, and never thought much about it at the time, it was just another crime series, then I grew up, and couldn't belive what I'd missed all those years ago, now Re-released on DVD this is a real must see, must buy.
A detective agency accidentally specialized on the supernatural
johannesaquila25 July 2023
This is a humorous British detective series produced for private TV, clearly inspired by Topper (1953). Similar to the previous series The Champions (1968), it combines two genres that were very popular at the time. This time: Secret agent / mystery like The Avengers (1961) or The Champions (1968) combined with supernatural sitcom like Bewitched (1964) or I Dream of Jeannie (1965), with more elements taken from the latter than before.
Jeff Randall and Marty Hopkirk run a detective agency, with Marty's wife Jean acting as secretary. When Marty dies in the first episode, he returns as a ghost and helps solve his own murder case, then stays to support his partner. Only Jeff can see and hear Marty's ghost; Jean is completely unaware that Marty isn't resting peacefully in his grave. Marty's abilities to interact with the world apart from Jeff are extremely limited, and his continued propensity to fear, panic, rash actions and jealousy about his wife and car also adds to the basic setup.
On top of that, the series' writers kept coming up with interesting new ways to exploit the setting by adding psychiatrists, exorcists, other ghosts and the like, good or evil, in various constellations. Only one season of 26 episodes was produced, but it is well worth watching.
Jeff Randall and Marty Hopkirk run a detective agency, with Marty's wife Jean acting as secretary. When Marty dies in the first episode, he returns as a ghost and helps solve his own murder case, then stays to support his partner. Only Jeff can see and hear Marty's ghost; Jean is completely unaware that Marty isn't resting peacefully in his grave. Marty's abilities to interact with the world apart from Jeff are extremely limited, and his continued propensity to fear, panic, rash actions and jealousy about his wife and car also adds to the basic setup.
On top of that, the series' writers kept coming up with interesting new ways to exploit the setting by adding psychiatrists, exorcists, other ghosts and the like, good or evil, in various constellations. Only one season of 26 episodes was produced, but it is well worth watching.
This is what I wish Ghost Whisperer was like.
magickbox15 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I had come up with this show's premise prior to discovering this late Sixties-early Seventies British production from ITV. It starts out with a pair of British private investigators whose business is faltering. As the shows title denotes one of the two men is deceased because he is murdered and leaves behind a widowed wife. This tragedy, however, has a silver lining as the deceased detective returns to aid his partner in finding his killer utilizing his unique "spiritual assets" such as being invisible and unencumbered by locked doors and walls as well as demonstrating some poltergeist skills. Two thumbs up for a reboot.
Brilliant , I love it so much
trevor-4429024 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I have read a few bad reviews here in the reviews section about this tv show. So I want to add a positive one. I love this tv show , as do my kids... it's a lot of fun , with some great adventures and storylines. The main 3 actors are brilliant , the chemistry between Jeff and Marty is amazing , you really get the love they have for one another like brothers , only they more or less live together .. the beautiful Annette Andre as Jeannie is great and she plays a wonderful person with a heart of gold... her wardrobe was class ,, each week in a stunning dress.
The cinematography is also great and it's really like going in a Time Machine back to London in 1969... red buses , old cars etc,,,it's sad that world is gone (for the worse imo)..Get it on Blue ray the colours are amazing!
There is a lot of fun in every episode and some great guest stars top actors such as. Brian Blessed etc.
But what sets Randall and Hopkirk apart as a tv classic is that you genuinely care for the characters and many of the stories, while very funny , touch at the heart.
It's a comedy but it's really about friendship, brotherly love, respect and doing the right thing,,, it has a lot of HEART
10/10.
The cinematography is also great and it's really like going in a Time Machine back to London in 1969... red buses , old cars etc,,,it's sad that world is gone (for the worse imo)..Get it on Blue ray the colours are amazing!
There is a lot of fun in every episode and some great guest stars top actors such as. Brian Blessed etc.
But what sets Randall and Hopkirk apart as a tv classic is that you genuinely care for the characters and many of the stories, while very funny , touch at the heart.
It's a comedy but it's really about friendship, brotherly love, respect and doing the right thing,,, it has a lot of HEART
10/10.
One man and his ghost!
Rabical-9119 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Like 'The Champions', Dennis Spooner's 'Randall & Hopkirk ( Deceased )' was a spy drama with an edge. Whilst in 'The Champions' the characters had powers like those of superheroes, in 'Randall & Hopkirk ( Deceased )' one of the characters was dead!
Jeff Randall and Marty Hopkirk ( played by Mike Pratt and Kenneth Cope respectively ) are two private detectives and close friends who have known each other for many years. One night whilst out attempting to solve a case, Marty is murdered in cold blood. He later returns as a ghost to assist his partner Jeff in bringing down the baddies.
However, Jeff is the only one able to see or hear Marty. No one else is ever aware of his presence..
Running for only one series of 26 episodes, 'Randall & Hopkirk ( Deceased )' was a brilliant show which made sure viewers were perched on the edge of their seat with anticipation. Kenneth Cope was wonderful as Marty Hopkirk, putting in a solid performance as the doomed spectre. Mike Pratt sadly did not land much in the way of acting roles however after the show's conclusion.
There was a fair amount of violence on display. By today's standards it's pretty tame but at the time would have been pretty terrifying stuff. Like Jack Trombey's theme from 'Callan', Edwin Astley's chilling theme tune brings one's skin out in goosebumps and lets the viewers know exactly what to expect.
In 2000, the show was unwisely revived with Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer stepping into the principal roles. It was awful. My advice to you is give the remake a wide berth, stick with the original!
Jeff Randall and Marty Hopkirk ( played by Mike Pratt and Kenneth Cope respectively ) are two private detectives and close friends who have known each other for many years. One night whilst out attempting to solve a case, Marty is murdered in cold blood. He later returns as a ghost to assist his partner Jeff in bringing down the baddies.
However, Jeff is the only one able to see or hear Marty. No one else is ever aware of his presence..
Running for only one series of 26 episodes, 'Randall & Hopkirk ( Deceased )' was a brilliant show which made sure viewers were perched on the edge of their seat with anticipation. Kenneth Cope was wonderful as Marty Hopkirk, putting in a solid performance as the doomed spectre. Mike Pratt sadly did not land much in the way of acting roles however after the show's conclusion.
There was a fair amount of violence on display. By today's standards it's pretty tame but at the time would have been pretty terrifying stuff. Like Jack Trombey's theme from 'Callan', Edwin Astley's chilling theme tune brings one's skin out in goosebumps and lets the viewers know exactly what to expect.
In 2000, the show was unwisely revived with Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer stepping into the principal roles. It was awful. My advice to you is give the remake a wide berth, stick with the original!
Fun show
jameselliot-122 June 2022
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