Softly Softly

This was a very popular series in the late 60's and early 70's set in the mythical area of Wyvern ( Possibly the Bristol area ). It features the work of a Regional Crime Squad. Initially the two Stars were Stratford Johns as Charlie Barlow and Frank Windsor as John Watt. Barlow was a Detective Chief inspector in Z cars but on transfer to the Regional Crime Squad he is now Detective Chief Superintent. Watt is also promoted on transfer to Detective Inspector and by the time the programme ends he is also a Detective Chief Superintendent. This was presented as the 'Bee Knees', being a perfect example of how the modern Police Force operates. I found it very clichéd, with the lower ranks portrayed in a very wooden fashion. Garfield Morgan, as a Detective Chief Inspector, had an excellent rehearsal for his role in the Sweeney, 10 years later.