New release: UK distributor Network announced an exciting book today that will appeal to Spy Vibers. Callan: Under the Red File is an in-depth look at the Cold War series starring Edward Woodward (The Equalizer). Andrew Pixley has completed a 371-page history that will be a must-read for spy fans. From the press release: "Nearly ten years in the writing, Callan: Under the Red File
has been a labour of love for both Network and the book's author, Andrew
Pixley. Anyone familiar with Network's releases will know our history with
Andrew is a long one and he has done some excellent work for us over the years- with his books on The Prisoner, Danger Man, Public Eye and The Professionals
all raising the bar for this type of archive research. Ahead of our upcoming Callan
documentary, you can now buy Andrew's new book exclusively from
networkonair.com. Initially a cult success before becoming one of British television's
most watched programmes, Callan brought the gritty, downbeat angle of Cold War
espionage to 1960s British television. In stark contrast to the glamour of
James Bond and the stylized capers of The Avengers, the man known as David
Callan was a highly skilled killer, tasked by the Government to eliminate
threats to national security. This reluctant, conscience-wracked assassin was
brought to life in a remarkable performance by Edward Woodward, cementing his
popularity as an actor many years before he achieved major international
success in both Breaker Morant and The Equalizer. This exhaustive book is the
definitive look at the creation, production, broadcast and reception of all
four series. From its conception as a one-off BBC play, through its development
by ABC Television, its success as one of Thames Television's highest-rated
programmes, its subsequent ATV revival and its expansion into novels, short
stories and movies- this single volume covers every aspect of James Mitchell's
most successful creation." Callan (1967-1972) stood out for its serious tone in a sea of stylish (and sometimes comedic) spies in the 1960s. I'm curious to learn more about the show through Pixley's research. And I very much look forward to Network's own Callan documentary in the future! Callan: Under the Red File is priced at $17.58 (12 pounds) and is only available through Network here. Enjoy!
