The ProtectorsThe Protectors is a British television series, an action thriller created by Gerry Anderson. It was Anderson's second TV series using live actors as opposed to electronic marionettes, and also his second to be firmly set in contemporary times. It was also the only Gerry Anderson produced television series that was not of the fantasy or science fiction genres. It was produced by Lew Grade's ITC Entertainment production company. Despite not featuring marionettes or any real science fiction elements, The Protectors became one of Anderson's most popular productions, easily winning a renewal for a second season. A third season was in the planning stages when the show's major sponsor pulled out, forcing its cancellation. The Protectors first aired in 1972 and 1973, and ran to 52 episodes over two series, each 25 minutes long - making it one of the last series of this type to be produced in a half-hour format. It starred Robert Vaughn as Harry Rule, Nyree Dawn Porter as the Contessa Caroline di Contini, and Tony Anholt as Paul Buchet. Episodes often featured prominent guest actors.
CreatorGerry Anderson
2,000 ft to Die
Sep 29, 1972
A friend of Harry's insists on doing a dangerous skydiving trick despite the fact that gold smugglers are trying to kill him.
Brother Hood
Oct 6, 1972
A wealthy recluse hires the Protectors to break his brother out of prison.
See No Evil
Oct 13, 1972
While in Rome the Protectors try to help a senator who is being blackmailed.
Disappearing Trick
Oct 20, 1972
The Contessa ends up putting her life in danger when she agrees to help an old friend win a wager by making him disappear.
Ceremony For the Dead
Oct 27, 1972
The wife of a president hires the Protectors to guard her critically ill husband whom she fears may be kidnapped.
It Was All Over in Leipzig
Nov 3, 1972
While investigating a plot to overthrow the government of a Mediterranean nation the Protectors end up confronting two old friends of the Contessa, one with whom she was romantically involved.
The Quick Brown Fox
Nov 10, 1972
The West German government hires the Protectors to put a pension fund that is supporting fugitive Nazi's out of business.
King Con
Nov 17, 1972
The Protectors devise an elaborate con to recover a priceless antique which a woman had been conned out of.
Thinkback
Nov 24, 1972
Harry and the Contessa are the victims of a car crash that was engineered to get information out of them.
A Kind of Wild Justice
Dec 1, 1972
The daughter of a gangster whom Harry helped put in prison fails twice in her efforts to kill Harry.
Balance of Terror
Dec 8, 1972
The KGB hires the Protectors to capture a renegade Russian scientist who plans on destroying London with a new virus to show the world how dangerous biological warfare can be.
Triple Cross
Dec 15, 1972
A kidnapped Paul will be blown to bits unless Harry and the Contessa help steal jewels which they have been hired to safeguard.
The Numbers Game
Dec 29, 1972
The Protectors only hope of putting a drug smuggling ring out of business lies in being able to decode a coded letter.
For the Rest of Your Natural ...
Jan 5, 1973
The Contessa is captured by a psychotic killer who puts her on trial for her life.
The Bodyguards
Jan 12, 1973
The police hire the Protectors to guard the corpse of a bank robber as part of a ruse to capture his accomplices.
A Matter of Life and Death
Jan 19, 1973
In Malta, with only the body of a dead hippie as a clue, the Protectors go after smugglers despite having no idea what it is that is being smuggled.
The Big Hit
Jan 26, 1973
After unsuccessful attempts on their lives, Paul and the Contessa are too late to warn Harry that someone is out to kill him.
One and One Makes One
Feb 2, 1973
The Protectors are hired to track down Bennett, a missing Canadian agent who holds valuable information about a new American-Canadian sky project.
Talkdown
Feb 9, 1973
Harry must land a small plane on his own when the pilot dies.
Vocal
Feb 16, 1973
Drug dealers plan on using someone who can impersonate Harry's voice in order to get information out of a blinded Paul.
With A Little Help From My Friends
Feb 23, 1973
Harry finds his family being threatened after he agrees to guard a visiting president in London.
Chase
Mar 2, 1973
The Contessa gives Harry a shotgun for his birthday which he soon puts to good use when while investigating political blackmail he becomes the quarry in a manhunt.
Your Witness
Mar 9, 1973
An important witness to a murder who doesn't want the Protectors protection, vanishes soon after she is placed in the Protectors charge.
It Could Be Practically Anywhere on the Island
Mar 16, 1973
A small fluffy dog called Muffin is kidnapped from a hotel to place a microfilm in its collar. The dog is due to be ttansaported to NY. Harry saves the day.
The First Circle
Mar 23, 1973
Harry is hired to protect a disturbed Vietnam war veteran.
A Case For the Right
Mar 30, 1973
The Protectors end up in trouble in the Roman tombs.
