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The Avengers

Season 1, 1961 - Episode 25

A Change of Bait

by Lewis Davidson

Read the original script (PDF 4.8MB)

Lemuel Potts finds himself outwitted at every turn by Steed when he attempts to defraud Keel's patient, Archie Duncan. Potts finds himself pocketing the bill for Archie's cargo of rotten bananas. His other scheme to burn down an antique shop and claim the insurance money is also sabotaged by Steed, who extinguishes the flames! Even once under arrest, Steed still tricks him again - this time into revealing his accomplices.

Cast & crew * mug shots in sepia denote images sourced from other productions.

Archie Duncan Victor Platt
{regular}{The Prisoner}{The Saint}
Lemuel Potts John Bailey
{regular}{Dr Who}{The Saint}{Department S}{Adam Adamant}{The Champions}
Peter Sampson Henry Soskin
{The Champions}{The Saint}{regular}
Carol Wilson Ingrid Hafner
{Police Surgeon}{regular}
John Steed Patrick Macnee
{New Avengers}{007}
Herb Thompson Robert Desmond
Nat Fletcher Graham Rigby
{Dr Who}
Dr David Keel Ian Hendry
{Dangerman}{New Avengers}{Police Surgeon}{The Saint}{The Sweeney}{regular}
Barker Gary Hope
{regular}{Dangerman}{The Saint}
Andre Arthur Barrett
{regular}{The Saint}{Dad's Army}
Bryan Stubbs Norman Pitt
{regular}{The Saint}{Adam Adamant}
Ivy Gillian McCutcheon
{Blake's 7}
Charlie Harry Shacklock
{regular}{Carry On..}
Steed's Helper Michael Hunt
{Carry On..}{Dangerman}
Male extra ?
Female extra ?
crew
Teleplay by Lewis Davidson
{Dangerman}{The Saint}
"The Avengers" Theme
composed and played by
Johnny Dankworth
Designed by James Goddard
{The Sweeney}
Producer Leonard White
{Callan}{Police Surgeon}
Directed by Don Leaver
{Police Surgeon}
Production Assistant Barbara Forster
Floor Manager Patrick Kennedy
Stage Manager Barbara Sykes
Lighting Director Peter Kew
Operational Supervisor Peter Cazaley
Senior Cameraman Mike Baldock
Sound Advisor Mike Roberts
Vision Mixer Gordon Hesketh

Alan Hayes recently unearthed the original shooting script which has revealed new information about the episode. From it we have learnt the extras and production crew details in italics above, and the details below. The PDF is now included on the Optimum DVD set for Seasons 1 & 2; it has formed the basis for a reconstruction of the episode which will be included as part of the extras on an upcoming Optimum release.

This was the 24th episode produced, with rehearsals scheduled for 19th September (11.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m.) and 20th September (10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.) and recording to AMPEX tape on the 20th September, 1961, 6.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m.
This contradicts the generally held view of the schedule, which has it as 25th, as broadcast. It was probably filmed before The Deadly Air.

Filming took place at Studio Two, ABC TV Studios, Broom Road, Teddington, Middlesex; they used 4 cameras, 3 boom mics and a telecine; running time was expected to be 57.35; that is, 52.55 + 2.05 and 2.35 commercial breaks. The three Acts were expected to run for for 18.39, 15.45 and 18.31 respectively.
The cameramen were Mike Baldock on camera 1, supported by (2) David, (3) Brian, (4) Dave (no last names given). The slate number was 3421 - VTR/ABC/1445.

The schedule

Tuesday, 19th September, 1961
Camera Rehearsal11.00 - 12.30
Lunch Break12.30 - 13.30
Camera Rehearsal13.30 - 18.00
Supper Break18.00 - 19.00
Camera Rehearsal19.00 - 21.00
Wednesday, 20th September, 1961
Camera Rehearsal10.00 - 12.30
Lunch Break12.30 - 13.30
Camera Rehearsal13.30 - 15.00
Tea-Break, Line Up, Normal Scan and Make-up15.00 - 15.45
Dress Rehearsal15.45 - 17.00
Notes17.00 - 17.30
Line-Up17.30 - 18.00
AMPEX RECORDING18.00 - 19.00

© Piers Johnson 2007-9