1962, Television: “The Saint”

The British spy thriller series, "The Saint" premiered on 4 October 1962. The television series was produced by ITC and aired in the UK on ITV between 1962 and 1969. Central character was Simon Templar created by writer Leslie Charteris. The main role was played by Roger Moore as a suave and sophisticated Robin Hood-like adventurer.

Simon Templar drove a white Volvo P1800 on the show with a license plate reading "ST-1". Roger Moore's portrayal of Templar was considered a training ground for his later work as James Bond. He was offered the role of 007 at least twice during the run of the series, but had to turn it down both times owing to his television commitments.

Roger Moore as Simon Templar aka The Saint

Roger Moore as Simon Templar with his Volvo P1800

The series was immensely popular and aired eventually in over 60 countries. With almost 120 episodes, the programme is exceeded only by "The Avengers" as the most productive show of its genre produced in the UK. The black-and-white episodes of "The Saint" were made in two production runs, the first, of 39 episodes, was split into two separate series on transmission, and the second, of 32 episodes, again split into two series on transmission. Series 5, the first to be produced in colour, consisted of a production run of 32 episodes. The second colour production run consisted of 15 episodes.

Roger Moore (Simon Templar) and Jayne Sofiano (Stella Longman)
in the episode "The Man Who Gambled with Life" (1969)

In 1978 a revival was made as "Return of the Saint" with Ian Ogilvy as Simon Templar.

 
"The Saint" Black and White Opening Titles (1962-1965)


"The Saint" Colour Opening Titles (1966-1968)


"The Saint" Season 6 Opening Titles (1969)