Watch Raffles

1975
1 Season
7.8 (199)

Raffles is a British television series that aired for 13 episodes from 1975-1977. The show is based on the A.J. Raffles stories written by E.W. Hornung, and tells the tale of gentleman thief A.J. Raffles, played by Anthony Valentine. The series is set in late-Victorian London, and follows Raffles as he uses his charm, intelligence, and skill to pull off daring thefts from high society.

Raffles is joined on his adventures by his friend and accomplice, Bunny Manders, played by Christopher Strauli. Bunny is Raffles' moral compass, often expressing his reluctance to engage in criminal activity, but always getting caught up in Raffles' schemes nonetheless. The two have a rapport that is both witty and playful, and their interactions provide much of the show's comic relief.

Throughout the series, Raffles and Bunny are pursued by the Scotland Yard detective Inspector Mackenzie, played by Victor Brooks. Mackenzie is determined to catch Raffles and bring him to justice, but is often thwarted by Raffles' cleverness and foresight.

The show's episodic format allows for Raffles to engage in a variety of capers and heists, each with its own twist and turn. Raffles' targets range from diamond necklaces to rare paintings, and his methods of stealing them are always creative and ingenious. The show also explores Raffles' relationships with the various members of high society, including his love interests, and the tensions that arise as he balances his criminal activities with his desire to fit in with the upper classes.

Anthony Valentine's portrayal of Raffles is suave, charming, and debonair. Despite his criminal activities, Raffles remains a likable character, and Valentine's performance adds depth to the character's inner conflicts. Christopher Strauli's portrayal of Bunny provides a nice contrast to Raffles' suavity, and his comedic timing is spot on. Victor Brooks' portrayal of Mackenzie brings a seriousness to the show, as he serves as a foil to Raffles' cavalier attitude.

The show's production design is impressive, with period accurate costumes and sets that transport the viewer to late-Victorian London. The show's theme song, composed by composer-cum-jazz musician Ronnie Hazlehurst, is catchy and memorable, and sets the mood for each episode.

Overall, Raffles is an enjoyable and entertaining show, filled with suspense and humor. Its episodic format and clever heists keep the show fresh and exciting, while the performances of Valentine, Strauli, and Brooks ground the show in a believable reality. Fans of heist films and British period pieces will find much to enjoy in this classic television series.

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Seasons

14. An Old Flame

May 20, 1977

While burgling a house, Raffles gets caught red-handed by a former lover trapped in a loveless marriage. The woman seems ready to leave and start a new life with her old flame. Raffles, worried for his freedom, goes to extreme measures to extricate himself.

13. The Gift of the Emperor

May 13, 1977

For reasons of state, the government asks Raffles to steal a priceless black pearl belonging to the German kaiser--aided and abetted by none other than Mackenzie of the Yard. Complications arise, however, when it becomes clear that Raffles has his own plans for the pearl.

12. Home Affairs

May 6, 1977

Raffles takes it personally when the secretary for Home Affairs threatens draconian new measures for offenses against property. He is determined to hit the pompous cabinet minister exactly where it hurts. However, a slip-up by Bunny puts them both within the grasp of Inspector Mackenzie.

11. Mr. Justice Raffles

April 29, 1977

When one of his cricket friends runs afoul of a ruthless moneylender, Raffles decides to pay the man's bill . . . and then some. He also agrees to take on a job for the moneylender. But when the man tries to double-cross him, Raffles decides to execute summary justice.

10. A Bad Night

April 22, 1977

Plans to rob a Dutch millionaire's home hit a snag when Raffles has to travel to play cricket for England. Bunny sets out to do the job himself, keen to prove his own abilities. However, things don't go exactly as planned--especially when he encounters another thief trying to pull off the same job.

9. To Catch a Thief

April 15, 1977

London's other gentleman thief has Raffles worried--the city isn't big enough for both of them. Raffles and Bunny track the man down to steal some of his booty. The crook is no pushover, though, and when it comes to ruthlessness, he's more than a match for Raffles.

8. A Trap to Catch a Cracksman

April 8, 1977

Raffles relies on cunning rather than strength to take on a loudmouthed American boxer. Rich from his successes in the ring, the heavyweight champion brags he can catch anyone who tries to steal his gold and silver trophies. Only Bunny's intervention proves him wrong.

7. The Last Laugh

April 1, 1977

A display of jewelry at the Italian embassy proves too great a temptation for Raffles and Bunny. And so does the chance to rescue a beautiful young maid at the mercy of the evil ambassador. Raffles hatches a plan to steal both, but underestimates the lengths to which the diplomat will go to get his revenge.

6. The Chest of Silver

March 25, 1977

After depositing his precious (and, naturally, stolen) silverware in a bank vault, Raffles departs for Scotland sans Bunny. With Raffles gone, Inspector Mackenzie sees his chance to finally bring the thieves to justice. Everything changes, however, when the bank vault is burgled and Raffles unexpectedly returns to London.

5. The Gold Cup

March 18, 1977

Raffles and Bunny swipe the famous Royal Gold Cup from the British Museum, but a group of criminologists track them down, suspecting Raffles of the theft. The gentleman thief is forced to come up with an ingenious way to prove them wrong.

4. The Spoils of Sacrilege

March 11, 1977

Bunny feels he needs to do more to justify his share of their ill-gotten gains, so the brothers in crime plan a job in which he takes the lead. But when things don't quite go as expected--leaving the partners in a tight corner--Raffles has to take charge to get them out.

3. A Costume Piece

March 4, 1977

Brash and crude, Reuben Rosenthall is a real "rough diamond:" a self-made millionaire who wears his wealth in the most ostentatious way possible. In other words, he's an irresistible target for Raffles, if not for the more hesitant Bunny. But as the friends find out, Rosenthall has a trick or two up his own sleeve.

2. The First Step

February 25, 1977

Raffles is visited by his old school chum, Bunny Manders, who has fallen on hard times. Penniless himself, Raffles comes up with a scheme to pay off Bunny's gambling debt by getting the money from the most obvious source--a plot that launches the duo into a life of crime.

1. The Amateur Cracksman (Pilot)

September 10, 1975

Raffles and Bunny travel to a country estate--ostensibly for a week of cricket--with a plan to steal a priceless diamond necklace. They soon learn that two other thieves are also there, as is the dogged Inspector Mackenzie. For Raffles, this merely adds intrigue to the game.

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