 Ace of Wands
1 9 7 0 - 1 9 7 2 (UK)
46 x 25 minute episodes
Tarot was a young stage conjurer and escapologist, whose youthful
appearance concealed a mysterious background and a resourceful mind.
Billed as a "20th Century Robin Hood with a pinch of Merlin and a dash
of Houdini", he was assisted in his adventures by Sam (a reformed
ex-convict who had also been a seaman, gravedigger, fish porter,
fairground boxer and bodyguard), and his orphaned stage partner, Lulli
(a fellow telepath).
The eccentric tweed-suited Mr Sweet ran an antique book shop in the
London suburb of Bloomsbury, and often lent a hand, contributing his
expert knowledge of the insect world (because you never know when that
may be really useful!). In the background perched Ozymandias - a
Malayan Fishing Owl.
The so called "Ace of Wands" and his companions ran into a host of
weird and wonderful Batman-esque super criminals with names
like Madame Midnight, Mr Stabs and Ceribraun. Perhaps the most
sinister was Mama Doc, who turned people into dolls which bled when
broken.
In
the final season, Tarot moved to a houseboat on the Thames (named
Joker III), and Sam and Lulli were replaced by brother and sister
duo, Chas and Mikki. Conveniently Mikki also shared Tarot's telepathic
powers, and she worked as a reporter. Chas was her photographer. Mr
Sweet (now based at a university) also featured again.
Many restrictions were placed on the filming of Ace of Wands:
No more than three minutes of outside filming were permitted per
episode, and locations were limited to within a 30 mile radius of the
studios at Teddington. Two permanent sets were constructed, (Tarot's
apartment and Mr. Sweet's bookshop) and a maximum of two extra sets
per episode was allowed. The cast was also limited to ten people per
episode (including the regular cast).
Trevor Preston and Pamela Lonsdale created the series. Preston is best
known these days for his contributions to Euston Films programs like
The Sweeney.
TRIVIA NOTE
Michael Mackenzie's wife at the time, actress
Ann Holloway, starred as Karen Glover in Father, Dear Father.
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