"The Man from U.N.C.L.E." (1964) TV series 1964-1968

User Rating:

8.2/10   

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Release Date:

22 September 1964 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Adventure

Plot:

The two top agents of the United Network Command for Law Enforcement fight the enemies of peace, particularly the forces of THRUSH.

Plot Keywords:

Walkie Talkie | Infrared Vision | Clothing Press | Rifle | Secret Entrance

Awards:

Won Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 13 nominations

Cast

Robert Vaughn	...	Napoleon Solo / ... (104 episodes, 1964-1968)
David McCallum	...	Illya Kuryakin / ... (100 episodes, 1964-1968)
Leo G. Carroll	...	Alexander Waverly / ... (96 episodes, 1964-1968)

Also Known As:

"Ian Fleming's Solo" (USA) (working title)
"Mr. Solo" (USA) (working title)
"Solo" (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

60 min (105 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Black and White | Colour (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Company:

Arena Productions

Trivia:

Ian Fleming was reportedly one of the consultants when this series was being planned. The name Solo was borrowed, apparently with his blessing, from the novel Goldfinger.

Quotes:

Napoleon Solo: [calling on the intercom] Illya, we have a situation here that needs your special talents. Are you free?
Illya Kuryakin: [from intercom] No man is free who works for a living. But, I'm available.

Movie Connections:

Edited into To Trap a Spy (1964)

A Classic

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is arguably one of the greatest shows of the Sixties and definitely the best American spy show. It blended tongue in cheek humour with action and adventure for an end result that was extremely entertaining. Unfortunately, all good things cannot last. The first season (when it was still shot in black and white) and the second season (the first one shot in colour) place The Man From U.N.C.L.E. among the best television has to offer. All of this changed with the third season, when the series became so silly that watching its episodes became nearly unbearable. The show recovered somewhat in its abbreviated fourth season (it would be cancelled midway through), but by that time The Man From U.N.C.L.E. had lost its charm. Though the fourth season episodes are watchable, they lack the humour and pinache of the first two seasons. Regardless, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is a testament to what Sixties television could do at its very finest.