Still Photographs From The Informer (1966-1967)
The Informer is a British drama series that starred Ian Hendry as Alex Lambert – a former barrister. It was broadcast in two series in 1966 and 1967.
Plot
A former barrister who had been disgraced and disbarred has to rebuild his life. He uses his former contacts on both sides of the law to become a paid informer for the Police. Living well from the rewards paid by insurance companies, Lambert still has to hide his activities from both his wife and others behind a new persona in the guise of a business consultant.
See: The Informer – Episode List
Sir Ridley Scott on The Informer
In a recent interview given Sir Ridley Scott – who directed several of the episodes as he navigated his early directing career – he described it as a ‘very good show; and Ian as a ‘spectacular’ actor (see recording below).
He actually says The Insider in the interview, but it was back in the 60’s!
Missing Episodes
It’s very frustrating then that of the 26 episodes made, only 2 are known to still exist – located in the vaults of the BFI. These can, however, be viewed by special arrangement:
The reason why so few episodes have survived seems inextricably linked to the time when Rediffusion was forced to merge with ABC Television to form Thames Televison in 1968. Most of their archived material was destroyed – depriving us of a large part of our television history.
Stills From The Series
However, we have located some great colour stills which gives us a small taste of the character and style of the show.
Pictures: Ian Hendry – The Informer (1966)
Pictures: Ian Hendry and Jean Marsh – The Informer (1966)
Pictures: Ian Hendry – The Informer (1966)
Pictures: Ian Hendry and Neil Hallett -The Informer (1966)
TV Times Cover – The Informer
Picture: Ian Hendry – Cover of The TV Times – The Informer (30th July 1966).
The Viewer Cover – The Informer
Picture: Ian Hendry – Cover of The Viewer – The Informer (31st July 1966).
Camera Script Cover
Picture: Camera Script Cover ‘Keep Off The Grass’ – The Informer (1966). With thanks to Alan Hayes.
We’ll keep The Informer on our radar and keep you updated on any more memorabilia that emerges. Hopefully other episodes of the show will also appear in time from private collections.
Best wishes
Neil Hendry
Editor, Official Website of Ian Hendry
Further Reading
A detailed account of the life and work of Ian Hendry in the new biography:
Read: ‘Send in the Clowns – The Yo Yo Life Of Ian Hendry’ by Gabriel Hershman
More From Ian Hendry
Two Rare TV Interviews Discovered – Ian Hendry ’62 and Patrick Macnee ’64 – Both Interviews Discuss The Avengers
This Is Your Life Camera Script (1978)
Promotional Pictures – The Early Years
Ian Hendry – Magazine Portraits From The 1960s
ATV Play ‘We’re Strangers Here’ (1973) – Ian Hendry + Geraldine McEwan – Writer: Eric Chappell
Ian Hendry + Britt Ekland – ABC TV’s Reception Held At The Westbury Hotel, London[1965]
Wedding of Ian Hendry + Janet Munro: Today Magazine Article – February 23rd 1963
Ian Hendry + Constantin de Goguel – The McKenzie Break (1970) – United Artists Promotional Still
No.2: The Ian Hendry Files. Rare Scrapbook Extracts From The 1950s – 1980s
Ian Hendry – The Avengers Original Promotion Portrait (1960-1961)
The Birth Of ‘The Talkies’ – 90th Anniversary Of The World Premiere Of The Jazz Singer [1927]
Ian Hendry And ‘The Circus That Came To Town’ – Part 2
Ian Hendry + Janet Munro – Teddington Studios + Armchair Theatre’s ‘Afternoon Of A Nymph’ (1962)
Ian Hendry + Penny Finzel – Rare Photograph From Penny’s Personal Collection – The Beauty Jungle [1964]
Ian Hendry – Les Fiches de Monsieur Cinema
The Southern Star (1969) Stills – George Segal + Ursula Andress + Orson Welles + Ian Hendry + Harry Andrews
Theatre of Blood [1973] – Autographed By Milo O’Shea, Harry Andrews, Ian Hendry, Arthur Lowe, Robert Coote and Jack Hawkins
Ian Hendry + Loni Von Friedl – Promotional Still For Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun/ Doppleganger (1969)
David Warner – BBC Radio Interview in which he discusses his life, work and Ian Hendry – who also appeared as Morgan in ‘A Suitable Case For Treatment’
No.1: The Ian Hendry Files. Rare Scrapbook Extracts From The 1950s – 1980s
Ian Hendry – Rare Collection Of Photographs Discovered In Newpaper Media Archive In Iceland
Ian Hendry’s Last Acting Role – As Davey Jones in Brookside [1984]
Ian Hendry + Gabrielle Drake – ‘The Tycoon’ by Kenneth Jupp – ITV Playhouse [1968]
In The Nick (1960) Clip – Anthony Newley + Ian Hendry + Bernie Winters + Harry Andrews
Tom Clegg – Director – A Tribute: The Sweeney, McVicar + Much Much More
What Woody Allen Thinks About The Hill (1965) And His Other Film Favourites
Repulsion (1965) 50th Anniversary Tribute Part #1 – Catherine Deneuve + Ian Hendry + John Fraser + Yvonne Furneaux (dir. Roman Polanski)
Ian Hendry in Bobbikins [1959] – Previously Unknown Film Role As A BBC Radio Announcer Discovered By Film Enthusiast
With Umbrella, Scotch and Cigarettes – The Avengers, Series 1 – by Richard McGinlay and Alan Hayes
Ian Hendry + Janet Munro – Rowing On The Thames Near Their Home Called, ‘Sphinx’, Located On Pharaohs Island, London [c.1963-1965]