Pretenders was a 13 episode British television series produced by Harlech Television in the UK in February 1972 on ITV. Pretenders was filmed in Somerset, England and Wales. The 13-part historical adventure series with a factual background starring Frederick Jaeger as a German mercenary who assists Elam, a boy who believes he is the illegitimate son of The Duke Of Monmouth, who in turn is the illegitimate son of Charles ll, and therefore claims to be rightful heir to the throne. The series followed their various adventures, leading up to the climactic battle of Sedgemoor, the last battle on English soil.
CreatorsLeonard White, Patrick Dromgoole
Rebellion
Feb 27, 1972
The Protestant Duke of Monmouth has landed in Dorset, determined to raise an army and wrest the throne from his Catholic uncle, James II.
Not a Live Thing Left
Mar 5, 1972
Elam sets off with his sister, Perfect, to find their father and avoid the conflicts and passions of the Monmouth rebellion.
Escape!
Mar 12, 1972
Joachim, Elam and Perfect are held by Royalist soldiers on the march. When they make camp, the children plan to free Joachim. Encountering two of Monmouth's men who wish to desert, Elam tries to inspire them to fight on.
In Safe Keeping
Mar 19, 1972
The children seek refuge from the Royalists with Alice, an innkeeper in a village that supports the rebel cause - but danger stalks in the form of a merchant who plans to kidnap the children and hold them to ransom.
The Players to the Rescue
Mar 26, 1972
Elam and Perfect are still locked in the hovel while Bailey and Carrity wait for a chance to hand them to the Royalists. However, Joachim meets the travelling Players and together they arrive in the village, where innkeeper Alice has discovered Bailey's plot.
Shipwreck
Apr 2, 1972
Still trying to reaching the Duke, Joachim, Elam and Perfect board a boat for a trip along the Bristol Channel to Bridgewater. Both the boatman and the weather turn against them.
The Paymaster
Apr 9, 1972
Elam, Perfect and Joachim finally make it to Somerset but Joachim is arrested by the King's Dragoons when he is caught trying to steal some food.
Prince of Avalon
Apr 16, 1972
Young Elam's claim to royal blood seems to be recognised when he is greeted as a prince on the road to Glastonbury - but it is only by a scheming merchant who plans to use the lad to gain favour with Monmouth.
Into Battle
Apr 23, 1972
The battle to decide the fate of the throne is imminent: the King's army camps on Sedgemoor while Monmouth plans a surprise attack. Meanwhile, Elam and Perfect decide to follow the assorted rebel forces as they march from Bridgewater.
The Last Battle
Apr 30, 1972
The rival forces come together at last on Sedgemoor in a battle which will determine the future of the English crown once and for all.
The Eye of the Drum
May 7, 1972
After their disastrous rout at Sedgemoor, the battered remnants of Monmouth's rebels are forced to flee the wrath of the victorious Royalists. Elam and Perfect must not only save themselves but try to rescue the captured Joachim.
Prizemen
May 14, 1972
Elam finally confronts the man whom he believes to be his father. He finds that the Pretender is very unlike the man that he had imagined him to be.
Fare Thee Well
May 21, 1972
Joachim is now on the run and, amid a climactic series of events, abandons the two children.
