The Sweeney was the top-rated British police series that aired from 1975-78. It ran for 54 episodes over 4 seasons, and two theatrical movies were also produced. The show reflects the attitudes and values of the period, and the clothes and hairdos are a treat as well. All four seasons are now available on DVD.
Better known as “the Flying Squad,” the detectives of the special police unit were put together to battle organized crime in London and the surrounding areas. Detective Inspector Jack Regan was portrayed by John Thaw, better known as Inspector Morse. His partner, Detective Sergeant George Carter was played by Dennis Waterman, who today stars in New Tricks, with Amanda Redman (see below).
The level of realism, violence, strong language, and all-out action was something new to British television, and its much more pronounced than anything seen in the US at the time. Many younger actors who later became well-known had roles in the series, including Ray Winstone, Patrick Malahide, John Hurt, Richard Griffiths, Denholm Elliott, Julian Glover and, for a very brief scene, a very young Simon Callow. Geraldine James, who played Sarah Layton in The Jewel in the Crown, made her very first television acting appearance in one episode.
From the interviews included on several of the discs, filming was quite hectic, with retakes a very rare occasion. The main cast and crew were a tight-knit group, and guest actors knew they had to be prepared. Because it was one of the most popular shows on at the time, actors really wanted to be included in one of the episodes.
There is an unofficial The Sweeney website that has lots of interesting tidbits as well as photos and some great “swearing quotes.” Full episode descriptions are available at the IMDB. Unfortunately, the series is not currently available at Netflix.
Rumor has it that a new Sweeney film may be in the planning stages, with Daniel Craig as Regan.
