The Monocled Mutineer follows the rebellion that took place at the notorious Etaples Training Camp in northern France on the eve of "The Battle of Passchendaele" in 1917. After the mutiny, the dashing Percy Toplis takes flight, dressed as a British officer, soon to embark on a love affair with beautiful young widow, Dorothy. A solder in the First World War, the real Percy Toplis was a rake, rogue and master of disguise who became the most wanted man in Britain. This controversial BBC dramatisation of high romance, hilarious impudence and savage retribution was adapted by Alan Bleasdale from the book by William Allison and John Fairley.
DirectorJim O'Brien
WriterAlan Bleasdale
The Making of a Hero
Aug 31, 1986
First part in four part series based on the book by William Allison and John Fairley about the true-life figure of Percy Toplis, who led a British army mutiny during the First World War.
Before the Shambles
Sep 7, 1986
Parcy Toplis arrives at the Etaples training camp in northern France, where the soldiers are put through a brutal training regime, under the command of Brigadier General Thomson. There is a mutiny of the troops.
When the Hurly-Burly's Done
Sep 14, 1986
Percy Toplis takes charge of negotiations between the mutineers and Brigadier Thomson. When the mutiny is over, Toplis and the other leaders become marked men. Toplis escapes to England using his talents for disguise, and meets and falls in love with Dorothy.
A Dead Man on Leave
Sep 21, 1986
The war is over and Toplis decides to rejoin the Army under a false name. He is recognized by a fellow mutineer and joins a black market racket. A shooting incident is blamed on Toplis and the police are back on his trail.
