"Actor: Gilles Pellitier"

• The Flashing Blade - Vol. 1 | DVD | (20/08/2001) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £15.99

  The Flashing Blade is a tale of high adventure set in 1630 as the dashing Chevalier de Recci (Robert Etcheverry) undertakes a dangerous mission across occupied territory to avert war between France and Spain. This 13-episode serial was made for French television in 1967, and in dubbed form regularly shown on the BBC during school holidays from 1969 through the 1970s (usually when 1965's Adventures of Robinson Crusoe was having a rest). This release is aimed at that generation who, from the spine-tingling theme song onward, remember the show with tremendous affection. Like the classic Hollywood movie serials, each 23-minute episode packs in a couple of action sequences; some plot twists, a little comic relief and very variable acting and costumes. For a children's programme the story is remarkably complex, and takes a while to gather pace. The colours have faded, the use of classical music is clumsy, but the dubbing is surprisingly accomplished. The swashbuckling action is at odds with the more serious historical drama, but viewed with nostalgia The Flashing Blade is thoroughly entertaining vintage TV. --Gary S Dalkin

• The Flashing Blade - Vol. 2 | DVD | (20/08/2001) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Clad in a cape and armed with a sword the Flashing Blade - a fearless warrior who fights for the French - treads a skilful path between intrigues conspiracies and ruses while trying to win the glory to which he so ardently aspires. Episode 5: Isabelle suspects that the merchant who rescued her is not all that he seems to be. Episode 6: Francois on his quest for the agent who will help him to get his message through to the French falls in with a group of strolling players