Michael Thompson Man in a suitcase played superbly by Texan actor Richard Bradford was simply the best TV series in the mid 60's, and to-date in general Richard Bradford's big mistake though, was wanting to put a really human side to this character named simply, Mcgill.Richard Bradford wanted to do his own stunts and he wanted the stunt men to really hit him, he wanted things to be as authentic as possible.For this reason, he fell out with many stunt men on the Man In A Suitcase Set.And in my view this is why another series of Man in a Suitcase never materialised, and also because Richard Bradford's name went round, as a trouble maker, because he would not fall in line with the British status quo.

screenman I have to agree with the other punters here. Richard Bradford had the part of McGill to perfection. Sallow, understated, and with a cynical edge; he was a man made weary by human fallibility and weakness, yet doomed to make a living from it nonetheless. His hair seemed prematurely grey for his age, and its curiously coiffured mop looked suspiciously like a toupee. Though I'm sure it was genuine.Often he mediated between victims and victimisers, using his cunning and thinly-veiled contempt to get the best deal he could, when as often as not he got a beating instead - and a very realistic one at that.He lived in a suitcase, was available for hire anywhere anytime. He charged a standard rate no matter what; I believe it was $200 dollars a day plus expenses, which many baulked at but they could take it or leave it. Inevitably he made girlfriends and abandoned them just as readily. Each episode was gritty, terse, and usually had an unexpected turn. And as they were mostly set in London, rather at variance to his nationality, they were an excellent window on swinging '60's style and attitude.Streets ahead in credibility than any equivalent like 'The Saint', I'm absolutely amazed that Bradford didn't command a greater screen presence. Rather like Ed Bishop; he had all the right ingredients of good looks, acting skill, and charisma in spades, yet we hardly ever saw him. The new James Bond seems to have just caught up.There was a very catchy jazz theme music as well, like that of The Avengers' or 'The Prisoner'. I hope the DVD's are as good as I remember the programmes to be. Highly recommended if so.

Mike omega Richard Bradford plays this role absolutely on the nail. It sets a standard that can only have been copied in the Prisoner, Callan, the Professionals, The Avengers ..... The list would go on, right through to Bond and Vin Diesel. An understated and genuine creation that has set the scene for years after. Any actor who now wants to play the disenfranchised but preeminent secret agent has to watch this or fail dismally.The production is carried by Bradford's acting and presence, but it has to be acknowledged, he has the medium of inspired writers who are clearly "under the cosh" to deliver tight, cogent and robust scripts. Mcgill, and I suspect Bradford as well, would have hated the internet and the modern film industry as a communications medium, given its requirement for many words where one short meaningful statement would do - Ernest Hemingway - you're not forgotten. One statement to sum it up? - Great intelligent, high integrity production.

cpt-2 It's one of my all time favorite TV private eye shows. All the stories took place in Europe. One had Donald Sutherland playing a dull witted cockney hoodlum. Lots of great scenery. McGill was always up to his eyeballs in trouble, and kicked out of town in the end.