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.

Man in a Suitcase is a gem of a series. One series is all you get. Only thirty episodes. You will be wishing that somehow it had lasted longer. There can never be enough praise for the actor or the character he created. He gave it all he could, all he had, shackled by the constraints of an unprepared and inflexible British studio that did not know what they were dealing with. One feature is that McGill himself is so watchable in all his small actions and so few words. He is the guy who can make boredom look interesting. The recent DVD box set has an interview with Richard Bradford that is illuminating, especially to the fight scenes. I also recommend the GZR track, Man In A Suitcase, the Man in a Suitcase isn't like me and you. You can also hear plenty of that strange jazz music that often passed for the Swinging 60s in TV shows of the time.

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.

I first saw "Man in a suitcase" in 1967-I loved it then and still do.This is one of the A.T.V."action" series of the 60's,but it differs from the likes of "The Saint" or "The Baron",in the cynical edge to the plots and the vulnerability of the hero.Richard Bradford as "McGill"(no first name!),was simply the coolest TV detective ever.He looked great(in fab "pre hippy era 60's" suits,with narrow lapels and thin ties),was as tough as nails,moody and unpredictable,and acted like Brando playing Peter Gunn-oh,and made smoking a cigarette into an art form.One amazing thing is he didn't always win either,and when he did he might well come out of things half beaten to death,many of the endings of episodes were pretty downbeat.The producers did make one ghastly mistake though-a guy like McGill should never have driven a car as totally uncool as a Hillman Imp!Best episode for me-"Brainwash".This show is a strong candidate for the best ever theme tune and titles.