William
Franklyn plays British Intelligence Operative Peter Dallas in Top
Secret a popular series set in Argentina. Peter Dallas takes a sabatical
from his work in the UK and returns to Argentina, the country where he was brought
up. Once back in Argentina, Peter Dallas is engaged by wealthy businessman
Miguel Garetta (Patrick Cargill) to undertake jobs with which the the official
law and order agencies cannot be seen to be involved.
Peter
Dallas is assisted with his crime-busting duties by his nephew Mike
(Alan Rothwell). The duo pursue villains in both bustling cities and quiet remote
villages in the Pampas. The experience gained from his work with British Intelligence
proves to be invaluable for Dallas in this world of espionage and intrigue.
Alan
Rothwell and Patrick Cargill
William
Franklyn spent two months in Argentina with a small unit under the direction of
Ian Fordyce to film the establishing shots for the series, which was produced
by Jordan Lawrence for Associated-Rediffusion Television. The series first aired
in August 1961 and concluded in July 1962. The first season in 1961 had 14 episodes,
and season two in 1962 consisted of 12 episodes. As well as making William Franklyn
a household name, the series also starred many other well known actors, including
Paul Eddington, Derek Waring, Alfred Burke, Honor Blackman, Hugh Burden and Gerald
Flood.
A
Gaucho working in the Pampas
