A Tribute to Brian Clemens

Brian Clemens  OBE (30 July 1931 – 10 January 2015)

The scriptwriter and producer Brian Clemens, responsible for TV hits such as The Avengers, New Avengers and The Professionals

Steed: “A glorious day for a drive in the country, don't you think, Mrs Peel ? ”

Emma: “ It would be, if this was just a casual jaunt for pleasure, Steed. But, since you have shanghaied me - no doubt, for some nefarious purpose or other - I find this more a pleasant diversion than an idyllic escape.

Steed: “ Ahh ! Mrs Peel how can one be so skeptical ? ”

Emma: “ Mmm ! A lot of practice ? “

Steed: “ Well, just for that I might not introduce you to Sir Digby Hampton-Smallpiece,”

Emma: “And what exactly is a Hampton-Smallpiece, when it's at home ? “

Steed: “ You'll find it under just about everyone of note, in the latest book of Who's Who. A very respected old family, an emerging force in the political world, a man of high moral regard for his charitable ways and apparently, something quite big in the city “

Emma: “ How often a girl has heard that claim ! Wait a moment, something seems to be coming to mind. Isn't that the fellow who was reported to have two young ladies...”

Steed: “ ...Ahem ! nothing was ever proven, and the evidence presented, didn't stand up in court”

Emma: “ Ohh ! That ones too easy “

Steed: “ The legal system and his peers have accepted his explanation of – admittedly – the somewhat bizarre set of circumstances leading to his unwanton social exposure. Anyway, he's put all that behind him, now, and he has thrown himself, whole heartedly, into his charity work and Benefit Balls. It's unfortunate but sometimes, Mrs Peel, it just so happens that a man in his position attracts a certain amount of notoriety ..”

Emma: “ Remind me, Steed ! Just what , was that position he was caught in, actually called, again ? “

Steed: “ I'd prefer to tell you about his Benefit Balls, and our suspicion that “Top Hush-Hush, Don't Repeat This to Anyone” information is being passed over to enemies of the state, under the pre-text of these high-society, social advancement, tax-deductible shindigs.”

Emma: “ So, where do I come into this little scheme of yours ? “

Steed: “ You, Mrs Peel ! Why you're a natural social butterfly, you can dance your way around the floor, you can weave your magic of beauty & charm with the deadliest of fandagos', whilst eliciting the kind of information that most seasoned agents would die for ! “

Emma: “ The last time you took me dancing, I ended up with that drunken, clumsy, over-weight,over-friendly, Russian operative, that you were investigating “

Steed: “ Oh yes ! But you have to admit that he was very quick in the quick step, he seemed quite foxy in the fox step and – at times - surprisingly light on his feet ! “

Emma: “ He may have been light on HIS feet....but certainly NOT MINE ! “

Steed: “ Well, anyway, he spoke very highly of you, quite flattering infact “

Emma: “ Hmmm ! You accused him of being OVERLY friendly – if I remember correctly – what was it that you called him ? Wasn't it the “ Syncopated Sycophant “

Steed – gentle laughs - “ Really ? I was on good form that day, wasn't I ?”

Emma: “ Well, if I'm to give you the benefit of my feet, then at least I get to call this case – and I name this file..” the philandering philanthropist “