Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)`Raffles' is a sophisticated, Victorian, aristocracy Robin Hood thief that robs from the rich and KEEPS IT. Such fun. A revolutionary form of a British crime series. Thievery is vulgar, Raffles admits, but he, when in need, feels justified. His lifestyle of the rich-&-famous makes him needy often. The London Victorian era crime is presented from the thief's point of view. Raffles considers himself a virtuous thief--only doing it to keep debts current and remain socially elite. Quite right-good show. You've never seen anything quite like it.
A.J.Raffles (Anthony Valentine-`Callan' 'Coronation Street' `The Commander') is cool, witty, and London's finest diamond thief, his favorite heist. He dresses impeccably, as does all the cast due to well earned Best Costume and Make-Up award nominations. Delightful & historical Victorian sets/props/costumes.
Costumes are lovely, from nightgowns to evening ware. Raffles has an old school chum, Bunny Manders (Christopher Strauli-`Only When I Laugh' `Full House') who is definitely not as `quick' as Raffles, a bit socially awkward, but helpful, especially when someone is needed to take a fall, or a bump or two. Poor Bunny, Raffles should treat him better. Bunny strives to do his share, make himself worthy.
This strikingly different British Crime Series is based on original writing by E.W. Hornung. His bio is included in the bonus material.
NO subtitles, but unnecessary for accent.
The 14 episodes begin with the PILOT, exclusively DVD available here.
A period series that already has a cult-like following and will live forever due to its unusual perspective to burglary.
For those liking episode details without spoilers:
1-Pilot THE AMATEUR CRACKSMAN-Raffles & Bunny head for the country cricket games (and some diamond heisting.) They have competition from other crooks plus Inspector Mackenzie (Victor Carin).
2 THE FIRST STEP-Raffles helps Bunny rob to pay off the mate's gambling debt. This episode was the launch of the series.
3 A COSTUME PIECE-Weak-nerved Bunny again joins Raffles in a rob-from-the-arrogant-rich scheme. What else are friends for?
4 THE SPOILS OF SACRILEGE-Bunny takes charge of the new caper--well, till his plans cause problems.
5 THE GOLD CUP-Raffles & Bunny steal `The Gold Cup', are tracked & suspected, leaving Raffles a need to prove coppers wrong when they're right.
6 THE CHEST OF SILVER-Raffles own silverware & Sterling heirlooms (previously stolen) is burgled from a London bank vault. Bunny's bum is bared briefly!! The only found explanation for the DVD box cover warning of partial nudity.
7 THE LAST LAUGH-Raffles & bunny take a higher step in stealing by adding a beautiful Italian girl to the jewelry booty. Dastard diplomacy.
8 A TRAP TO CATCH A CRACKSMAN-An American boxing champ's trophies is the latest test of snatching skills for the pilfering pair.
9 TO CATCH A THIEF-London has more than one gentleman thief. Our diabolical duo, ungentlemanly, goes after his heisted board. Robert Hardy (All Creatures Great and Small) is the other thief.
10 A BAD NIGHT-Bunny attempts a one-man heist on a millionaire's home while Raffles joins the England Cricket team. Double trouble as a rival thief works the same job.
11 MR JUSTICE RAFFLES-Raffles gets involved with loan sharks and double-crosses, making him come across as the `really NICE guy.'
12 HOME AFFAIRS-Raffles takes on a political figure--goes to steal what that man owns--Bunny bungles--and Mackenzie is on their tail.
13 THE GIFT OF THE EMPEROR-Who'd over thought it? Raffles is asked by the government to steal. Help is promised from Scotland Yard & even Insp. Mackenzie (the very man who wants Raffles behind bars.)
14 AN OLD FLAME-Raffles is caught in a burgle, but by an `Old Flame', who wants rekindled. Can raffles get out of this one?
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Adventures of a gentleman thief in Victorian England
A dashing aristocrat turns criminal in this classic British drama
Meet A.J. Raffles (Anthony Valentine, Callan, The Commander), a gentleman of leisure and a first-class cricketer. But when he\'s not dining at his club or taking wickets for England, he\'s often engaged in his other favorite activity--relieving the wealthy of their riches.
A master of accents and disguise, Raffles is assisted by his old school chum "Bunny" Manders (Christopher Strauli, Only When I Laugh). Always eager but often bewildered, Bunny follows his friend into the most complex of predicaments and deadliest of situations, likely as not pursued by the dogged Inspector Mackenzie (Victor Carin, Sutherland\'s Law) of Scotland Yard.
Anthony Valentine and a stellar cast of British actors deliver superb performances in these beautifully crafted adaptations of the work of E.W. Hornung, brother-in-law of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In each episode, the roguish Raffles and his intrepid companion set out to plunder the wealth of the aristocracy, stay out of the reach of the law, and revel in the thrill of the game.
Contains partial nudity
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