About this season
The Man in Room 17 is a British television series which ran for two seasons in the mid-1960s, produced by the Northern ITV franchise, Granada Television. Key to the series' success was the involvement of writer/producer Robin Chapman. The show was set in Room 17 of the Department of Social Research, where former wartime agent-turned-criminologist Edwin Oldenshaw solved difficult police cases through theory and discussions with his assistants. The novelty of the series was that Oldenshaw and his colleagues never needed to leave their office in order to resolve cases, preferring to spend their time playing the Japanese board game of Go. They simply provided their prognosis and left the police to do the cleaning up. Different directors were often appointed to film the Room 17 and outside-world scenes independently, to maintain a sense of distance between the two worlds.
Episodes (13)
1. How to Rob a Bank - And Get Away With It
Aired 8 April 1966 • 48 min
A continental film director employs unusual methods to create the right atmosphere. When fiction and reality begin to merge, Room 17 struggle to decide which is which.
2. Vendetta
Aired 15 April 1966 • 43 min
A man is lost at sea, and the occupants of Room 17 are asked to find out whether the death has personal or political implications.
3. The Black Witch
Aired 22 April 1966 • 46 min
The body of an American is found near an old abbey, a strange object used for devil worship in his pocket. Room 17 investigate the bizarre circumstances of his death.
4. First Steal Six Eggs
Aired 29 April 1966 • 46 min
A Hungarian interior designer is commissioned to convert the flat of a well-known London hostess. But does his world extend to more sinister activities?
5. The Catacombs
Aired 6 May 1966 • 47 min
A rich Yorkshireman hopes to find buried treasure in the Middle East, but enlists help from a very dubious expert. Room 17 wonder what might happen to the treasure - if they ever find it.
6. Where There's a Will
Aired 13 May 1966 • 47 min
An eccentric old millionaire has jealous relatives - some scheming for his money, others simply hoping. Room 17 are asked to help intercept the cross-currents of hatred and intrigue.
7. The Fissile Missile Makers
Aired 20 May 1966 • 44 min
Schoolboy Sharpy Dingle is selling details of a fake missile to the Chinese. Why is he using the proceeds to try and ruin his mother's property company?
8. Goddess of Love
Aired 27 May 1966 • 46 min
Three students intend to steal the statue of a Greek goddess and return it to its rightful home in Greece. Room 17 hear of the plan, and decide to help them.
9. Undue Influence
Aired 3 June 1966 • 44 min
A judge starts to make very odd decisions in court, and Room 17 become involved when he is assigned to try a famous pop singer who is accused of murder.
10. Lady Luck's No Gentleman
Aired 10 June 1966 • 46 min
An infallible system for winning at roulette: the dream of millions. Ruthless men will stoop to murder to obtain it. Can Room 17 discover how the system works - and wjo is behind it?
11. The Standard
Aired 17 June 1966 • 46 min
A number of young Army officers are competing for a major award. How far should they go in order to win? Room 17 become involved when a foreign prince suspects his life is at risk.
12. Saints Are Safer Dead
Aired 24 June 1966 • 47 min
Tracey Peverill is sent to Venice to investigate the buyer of a painting which was sold at auction at a highly inflated price. She soon finds an ally in an American millionaire.
13. Never Fall Down
Aired 1 July 1966 • 47 min
A public figure has been indiscreet, but his ability as an advisor to the Government is undisputed. The men in Room 17 eventually realise there is only one solution open to them.