In the first episode of The Fourth Arm, a series that can be considered something of a companion piece to the BBC’s popular drama Secret Army (and from the same production team), it is 1944 and British officer Major Gallagher is tasked by Colonel Gwillim to join forces with the French resistance to try and scupper Hitler’s V-1 rocket plans.
Initially Gallagher’s resistance contacts, led by Lamboit, are unimpressed by his arrival but he quickly shows just how ruthless he can be. He also finds time to meet up with old girlfriend Claudine.
classic quote
“We are both in the same business, you put them up, I knock them down.”
production details
UK / BBC One / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast 7 January 1983
Writers: John Brason, Gerard Glaister / Production Design: Tim Dann / Director: Viktor Ritelis
Series: The Fourth Arm Episode 1 (of 12)
cast
Paul Shelley as Major Gallagher
Philip Latham as Colonel Gwillim
Gerald James as Professor Evans
Gregory de Polnay as Pierre de Grouchy
Roy Boyd as Lamboit
Paul Chapman as Viardot
Marianne Lawrence as Claudine
Brian Hawksley as Jacques Gran
Christopher Good as Major Whickers
Ray Roberts as Doctor
John Tallents as Sqn Ldr Fielding
Richard Owens as Gp Capt Edwardes
Clare Bonass as FANY Spooner
Juliette Mole as WAAF
Roy Herrick asMet officer
Brian Darnley as French farmer
Anthony Wingate as Dispatcher
Yves Aubert as Farmer’s son
Michael Batz as German motorcyclist
