A Change of Bait
by Lewis Davidson
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.
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 Rehearsal | 11.00 - 12.30 |
| Lunch Break | 12.30 - 13.30 |
| Camera Rehearsal | 13.30 - 18.00 |
| Supper Break | 18.00 - 19.00 |
| Camera Rehearsal | 19.00 - 21.00 |
- Wednesday, 20th September, 1961
-
| Camera Rehearsal | 10.00 - 12.30 |
| Lunch Break | 12.30 - 13.30 |
| Camera Rehearsal | 13.30 - 15.00 |
| Tea-Break, Line Up, Normal Scan and Make-up | 15.00 - 15.45 |
| Dress Rehearsal | 15.45 - 17.00 |
| Notes | 17.00 - 17.30 |
| Line-Up | 17.30 - 18.00 |
| AMPEX RECORDING | 18.00 - 19.00 |
