How a British crime series became a global phenomenon without leaving the studio
In short: The Saint, starring Roger Moore as the suave Simon Templar, was a television powerhouse that aired in over 60 countries. Despite its international settings, the show was filmed almost entirely at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, relying on clever production tricks like blue-screen technology and revolving backdrops to simulate a global stage.
Created by Leslie Charteris in the 1920s, the character of Simon Templar was brought to life on screen by Roger Moore between 1962 and 1969. The series followed Templar, a man who operated outside the law to help those ignored by official agencies. His nominal nemesis, Inspector Teal, often found himself grudgingly tolerating Templar’s methods for the greater good, a dynamic that mirrored the original novels.
The production was a masterclass in efficiency and adaptation. While early episodes were straightforward mysteries, the series evolved to include secret agent and fantasy-style plots. The show famously transitioned from black-and-white to colour midway through its run, a shift that also saw the replacement of Moore’s fourth-wall-breaking monologues with simple narration. Remarkably, the show generated over £350 million in profit for ITC, with almost 120 episodes produced, making it one of the most productive British shows of its genre.
Behind the scenes, the show was a hub of ingenuity. Because the production was largely confined to Associated British Elstree Studios, the team used painted backdrops and early visual effects to transport viewers across the globe. Even the iconic white Volvo P1800, which became synonymous with the character, was a product of promotional necessity after Jaguar declined to provide an E-type. Moore’s commitment to the role was so deep that he eventually became a co-owner of the show and even wore his own wardrobe on set.
The legacy of The Saint extends far beyond its original run. It paved the way for Moore’s eventual turn as James Bond, a role he was offered twice during the series' production but had to decline due to his television commitments. Despite numerous attempts to revive the franchise over the decades, the original series remains a touchstone of 1960s television, preserved through extensive DVD collections and continued syndication worldwide.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Saint (TV series)
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