The Zoo Gang (1974 TV Series) - 03 - African Misfire

Five French Resistance fighters, known by their animal-based code names (the Wolf, the Tiger, the Elephant, the Leopard and the Fox), fought during World War II. Their efforts came to a stop when one of their number, Claude Roget (the Wolf), was betrayed to the Gestapo by a contact called Boucher. In their interrogation of him, Roget—who was the husband of Manouche (the Leopard)--was shot dead before her eyes. Twenty-eight years later, Thomas Devon (the Elephant) spots Boucher (going under the name of Rosch) in his shop. The surviving members of the Zoo Gang drop what they are doing and rendezvous for vengeance. The rest of the series follows the adventures of the remaining gang of four resistance fighters reunited decades later to scam habitual con artists and criminals in order to take their money and use it for good causes. Despite their ages, they put their skills and experience to use to raise enough money to construct a hospital in the memory of Claude. The gang is (reluctantly) aided by the son of Manouche and Claude, an inspector in the French police. The series is set on the French Riviera in Nice. Guest stars included Philip Madoc, Peter Cushing and Jacqueline Pearce. Roger Delgado, best known for his role as Doctor Who villain The Master, also appeared, although he had died in a car crash prior to the series' broadcast. Based on Novel by Paul Gallico Starring John Mills Brian Keith Lilli Palmer Barry Morse Theme music composer Paul and Linda McCartney Composer Ken Thorne Barry Morse as Alec Marlowe – The Tiger: Canadian, now working as a vehicle mechanic. Lilli Palmer as Manouche Roget – The Leopard: French, running a small cafe "Les Pecheurs" in Nice. Brian Keith as Steven Halliday – The Fox: American, now an antiques dealer. John Mills as Thomas Devon – The Elephant: British, running a jewellery shop in Nice, was given his nickname because of his excellent memory. Michael Petrovitch as Lieutenant Georges Roget (Roget's son) Serretta Wilson as Jill Burton (Devon's niece) The art collection of a deposed African president (Earl Cameron) is stolen and the gang sets about recovering it, only to discover they know the thief – a former wartime colleague.