The Saint (franchise)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Saint
Official franchise logo, as released in 1997.
Created byThe Saint novels by
Leslie Charteris
Original workMeet the Tiger by Leslie Charteris
OwnerParamount Pictures

The Saint franchise consists of European and American action-mystery thrillers, including film, radio, and television mediums. Based on the writings of Leslie Charteris, the plot centers around the titular vigilante investigator who operates outside the bounds of the law, under various disguises and aliases; commonly known as the moniker "the Saint".

The franchise has received noted success through decades of media, and has a reboot film in development.

Origin[edit]

A series of novels, short stories, and novellas authored by Anglo-Chinese writer Leslie Charteris between 1928 and 1997; centered around the character Simon Templar / The Saint. The character is a heroic charming investigator operating as a contemporary Robin Hood-like vigilante with various aliases and disguises who is characterized by his devil-may-care attitude, while evading law enforcement. Though the initial novel was released in 1928, the origins of the character are evident in early works of the author, some of which predated the first Saint novel. An early Charteris book titled, Daredevil not only featured a heroic lead who shared similar traits including driving the same make of vehicle, but also featured Inspector Claud Eustace Teal;[1] a recurring character in various Saint books.[2]

Film[edit]

Film U.S.
release date
Director Screenwriter(s) Story by Producer(s)
The "Saint" in New York June 3, 1938 (1938-06-03) Ben Holmes Charles Kaufman & Mortimer Offner Charles Kaufman & Mortimer Offner
and Anthony Veiller[3]
William Sistrom
The Saint Strikes Back March 10, 1939 (1939-03-10) John Farrow John Twist Robert Sisk
The Saint in London June 30, 1939 (1939-06-30) John Paddy Carstairs Lynn Root & Frank Fenton William Sistrom
The Saint's Double Trouble January 6, 1940 (1940-01-06) Jack Hively Ben Holmes Leslie Charteris Cliff Reid
The Saint Takes Over June 7, 1940 (1940-06-07) Lynn Root & Frank Fenton Howard Benedict
The Saint in Palm Springs January 24, 1941 (1941-01-24) Jerry Cady Leslie Charteris
The Saint's Vacation May 9, 1941 (1941-05-09) Leslie Fenton Leslie Charteris & Jeffrey Dell William Sistrom
The Saint Meets the Tiger July 29, 1943 (1943-07-29) Paul L. Stein Leslie Arliss & Wolfgang Wilhelm
and James Seymour
The Saint's Girl Friday April 15, 1954 (1954-04-15) Seymour Friedman Allan MacKinnon Anthony Hinds and Julian Lesser
The Saint April 4, 1997 (1997-04-04) Phillip Noyce Jonathan Hensleigh
and Wesley Strick
Jonathan Hensleigh David Brown, Robert Evans, William J. MacDonald and Mace Neufeld
Untitled reboot TBA Doug Liman Kwame Kwei-Armah
and Seth Grahame-Smith
Seth Grahame-Smith Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Brad Krevoy, Robert Evans and Dexter Fletcher

The "Saint" in New York (1938)[edit]

When a series of consecutive lawless acts take place in New York, the commissioner of police hires a British investigator who fights criminal corruption through unorthodox methods named Simon Templar. Known to the law enforcement as "the Saint", Templar quickly begins dismantling criminal organizations throughout the city. When he discovers that there may be a mastermind hiding in plain sight, he begins to turn the offenders against each other, while he draws closer to resolving the corruption.[4]

The Saint Strikes Back (1939)[edit]

Simon Templar is hired to investigate a purported suicide of a seemingly disgraced police inspected in San Francisco, when the man's daughter calls into question the nature of his death. With her suspicions that a criminal organization is involved Templar discovers that prior to the man's untimely passing, he had also been framed for corruption which lead to his dismissal from the police force. Determined to exonerate the man of the lawful misdeeds that he did not commit, "the Saint" races against time to solve the mystery and bring justice to those who are guilty.[5]

The Saint in London (1939)[edit]

Simon Templar returns home to London, where he becomes involved in an investigation in a local gambler who may be guilty of being a part of a counterfeiting criminal organization. Throughout the investigation, he hires a former-thief and a socialite to assist him with the case. Templar begins to question the nature of the situation suspecting that an inspector who is also working on the investigation may be involved, "the Saint" works overtime to resolve the mystery before its too late.[6]

The Saint's Double Trouble (1940)[edit]

Simon Templar finds himself the suspect when a shipment of mummies that were sent to his friend, an archeological professor is found with some stolen diamonds. Believed to have become a jewel smuggler, he races against time to find the perpetrator who framed him for the crime. When he begins to investigate the series of events that preceded the disappearance of the valued items, its discovered that his double Duke Bates is the mastermind. "The Saint" sets out to prove his own existence, apprehend the criminals involved, and reinstate his credibility.[7]

The Saint Takes Over (1940)[edit]

Simon Templar takes a transatlantic trip to New York so that he can assist his old friend Inspector Fernack, who has been suspended due to suspected involvement in bribery. During the investigation, Templar confronts a series of gamblers who have organized fixed horse racing. As he attempts to prove his friend's innocence "the Saint" becomes familiar with a beautiful woman, who maybe have a deception of her own.[8]

The Saint in Palm Springs (1941)[edit]

Simon Templar becomes involved in the criminal underworld, in order to locate extremely rare and valuable stamps that have gone missing. During the investigation, "the Saint" is pursued by various criminals who are desperate and will do anything including murder to acquire the valuables for themselves. Templar turns to an old ally, and together they resolve to complete their assignment in returning the collectibles to their rightful owner.[9]

The Saint's Vacation (1941)[edit]

Initially enjoying a trip of his own outside of work, Simon Templar becomes involved in an impromptu investigation when a seemingly music box becomes a heavily coveted item. As he seeks to retrieve the collectible and return it to the rightful owner, he discovers that the antique instigates a series of robberies, torture, and murder. Racing against the pursuits of the unlawful competitors, "the Saint" turns to the aid of his allies and discovers that it may bring him face to face with one of his most notorious arch enemies.[10]

The Saint Meets the Tiger (1943)[edit]

Following an unexpected visit from an ailing man who notifies Simon Templar about a criminal organization that smuggles gold, Templar begins to investigate and finds the case takes him to an English coastal community. Upon arrival, "the Saint" collaborates with Scotland Yard and the owner of a gold mine named Patricia Holm. As Templar begins to have romantic interests in Holm, she helps him to divert his attention to a criminal known as "the Tiger" where he begins to find sufficient evidence to convict the corruption within their establishment.[11]

The Saint's Return (1953)[edit]

Released in the United States in 1954 as The Saint's Girl Friday

When Simon Templar's friend ends up dead, following her petition for his help, he begins an immediate investigation suspecting foul-play. Together with the assistance of a woman named Carol Denby, Templar infiltrates the ranks of a local criminal organization known as the River Mob. With the gang being involved in the community's gambling business, Templar finds himself working against an established and powerful group with intentions of finding the real nature of his friend's murder.[12]

The Saint (1997)[edit]

A thief who uses various disguises under aliases of various Catholic Saints, and the aid of advanced technology in his heists, is hired for a contract by a powerful Russian oil company magnate named Ivan Tretiak. Tasked with stealing the chemical formulas for cold fusion, Templar accepts the job convinced that he can accomplish the mission. After seducing scientist Dr. Emma Russell, he delivers the formulas to Tretiak and expects to move on to the next monetary opportunity. He quickly discovers however, that the formulas were incomplete when a number of criminal alliances begin to pursue him. Learning that Russell is also in danger, Templar races to her rescue while avoiding their lethal advances. Determined to save her life, he resolves to also end their corruption; all while evading the continued pursuits of detectives who have been following him for years.[13]

Reboot[edit]

In February 2020, it was announced that a reboot of the franchise was in development with Chris Pine starring as Simon Templar / the Saint. Dexter Fletcher initially signed onto the project as director, with a script by Seth Grahame-Smith. Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Brad Krevoy will serve as producers, with Robert Evans credited as a producer posthumously. The project will be a joint-venture production between Paramount Pictures and Di Bonaventura Pictures. The studio intends the new adaptation to be the first installment in a series of films.[14] By November July 2021 however, Regé-Jean Page was cast in the titular role replacing Pine, while Kwame Kwei-Armah was hired to contribute to the screenplay.[15] In November 2023, Doug Liman had been hired to replace Fletcher as director.[16]

Radio[edit]

Title Dates aired
in U.S.
Creator Sponsor production
companies
Distributing networks Status
First released Last released
The Saint January 4, 1945 (1945-01-04) October 14, 1951 (1951-10-14) Leslie Charteris Bromo-Seltzer, Campbell Soup Company, Lever Brothers, and Ford Motor Company National Broadcasting Company (NBC)
Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)
CBS West Coast Network
Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS)
Ended

Adapted for radio production by Leslie Charteris, the dramatization show was based on his series of novels of the same name. The broadcast featured various actors in the titular role through a number of iterations from January 4, 1945 – October 14, 1951. Starring Edgar Barrier, Brian Aherne, Vincent Price, Tom Conway, and Barry Sullivan in the titular role at different times;[17][18] the supporting cast included John Brown, Ken Christy, and Louise Arthur as Inspector Fernack, Hoppy, and Patricia Holm, respectively.[17] The Saint was sponsored through funding by Bromo-Seltzer, Campbell Soup Company, Lever Brothers, and Ford Motor Company; and debuted on National Broadcasting Network (NBC), followed by Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), CBS WEst Coast Network, and then Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS), before returning to NBC.[17] The show was met with positive critical reception, and was notable for its continued inclusion of Charteris throughout its syndicated broadcast, with the associated companies stating: "All scripting will be under the supervision of Charteris, who will oversee the adaptations of his published works. If any originals are to be done, he'll do them."[17][18]

Television[edit]

Series[edit]

Series Season(s) Episode(s) Originally released Showrunner(s) Executive producer(s) Status
First released Last released Network
The Saint 6 118 October 4, 1962 (1962-10-04) February 9, 1969 (1969-02-09) Independent Television (ITV) Leslie Charteris Monty Berman and Robert S. Baker Ended
Return of the Saint 1 24 September 10, 1978 (1978-09-10) March 11, 1979 (1979-03-11) Leslie Charteris, Bob Baker & Lew Grade Robert S. Baker, Lew Grade, Roger Moore and Anthony Spinner Ended

The Saint (1962–1969)[edit]

Created by Leslie Charteris and based on his novel series of the same name, the television adaptation was developed in collaboration with National Broadcasting Company (NBC), Tempean Films for ATV, Bamore for ATV, ITC Entertainment, and Independent Television.[19][20] Starring Roger Moore in the titular role, the series aired from October 4, 1962, through February 9, 1969. Well received by critics and the audience alike, the show continued success through reruns and debuts in over 60 countries; earning over £350,000,000 for ITC.[21][22]

Simon Templar, a wealthy adventurer and vigilante private investigator know under the alias of "the Saint", travels the world righting wrongs, solving mysteries, and convicting criminals. Though he is often the individual at the center of solving the investigations, because he lives outside the law he is also being pursued by various law enforcement agencies. Given his street-wise experience, and his wits keep him one step ahead of their machinations to apprehend him for questioning.[23][24][25]

Return of the Saint (1978–1979)[edit]

Developed as a follow-up revival to the original show, the series was once again based on his book series of the same name, and created by Leslie Charteris; this time with collaboration from producers Bob Baker and Lew Grade. Initially developed as a sequel centered around the son of Simon Templar, this premise was abandoned in favor of a continuation around the same character. The show was a joint-production between ITC Entertainment, Associated Television, and Rai Television and aired through Independent Television. Ian Ogilvy starred as the titular character, replacing Moore from the previous series. Though the show was poorly received by critics, its viewership numbers were a success. When series was rebroadcast on Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) it was successful with its viewership numbers and became one of the highest profiting shows for the associated studios. The shows cancelation at the request of Grade, has since been questioned given its popularity with its audience.[26][27]

The plot followed a similar premise to other installments in the franchise. Simon Templar, a wealthy vigilante investigator known to others by his alias as "the Saint", takes unsolved mysteries and defeats corruption while living outside the law. Throughout the series he travels through Europe assisting citizens with their needs, while he encounters past friends and acquaintances that also need his assistance. Oftentimes foiling the plans of various criminals, he keeps some of their monetary means for himself, while avoiding pursuits of various law enforcement agencies.[28][27]

Television films[edit]

Film U.S.
release date
Director Screenwriter(s) Producer(s)
The Saint and the Brave Goose January 7, 1978 (1978-01-07) Cyril Frankel John Kruse Robert S. Baker
The Saint in Manhattan June 12, 1987 (1987-06-12) James Frawley Peter Gethers & David Handler Dennis E. Dotty
The Saint: The Brazilian Connection September 2, 1989 (1989-09-02) Ian Toynton Anthony Horowitz Muir Sutherland
The Saint: The Blue Dulac September 9, 1989 (1989-09-09) Dennis Berry Peter Palliser Jean Chalopin, Dennis E. Dotty and Jacky Stoller
The Saint: Fear in Fun Park July 14, 1990 (1990-07-14) Donald Crombie Leslie Charteris Sue Milliken and Muir Sutherland
The Saint: Wrong Number July 21, 1990 (1990-07-21) Marijan David Vajda Muir Sutherland
The Saint: The Big Bang July 28, 1990 (1990-07-28) Paolo Barzman
The Saint: The Software Murders August 4, 1990 (1990-08-04) Henry Herbert
The Saint July 11, 2017 (2017-07-11) Ernie Barbarash Jesse Alexander
and Tony Giglio
Jesse Alexander, Roger Moore, Geoffrey Moore, Francisco J. González, Brad Krevoy, Jimmy Townsend, Simon West and Roman Viaris-de-Lesegno

The Saint and the Brave Goose (1978)[edit]

Simon Templar takes part in a speedboat racing event, where one of his competitors named Oscar West seemingly meets his demise when his vehicle experiences mechanical failure and then explodes. When his widow Annabel discovers that her husband lived an extravagant lifestyle and she is left nothing more than a boat named "the Brave Goose". When a group of men kidnaps her, claiming that they worked alongside Oscar in a burglary where he double-crossed them, the escaped convicts question her for the location of the gold that they had collectively stolen. Learning of these transpiring events, "the Saint" comes to her rescue while also determined to help her locate the gold and to solve the mystery surrounding her husband following a new revelation that the group had one other ally.[29]

The Saint in Manhattan (1987)[edit]

Returning to New York City following a previous investigation, Simon Templar is planning on resting and rejuvenating for some time. His plans quickly change, when one of his previous romantic interests, a professional ballerina named Margot Katka reenters his life. After attending one of her performances, she pleads for his assistance as her life is in danger. Determined to protect her, "the Saint" races against time to solve the mystery.[30]

The Saint: The Brazilian Connection (1989)[edit]

Following his involvement in ending the criminal workings of some thieves, Simon Templar finds himself in possession of various riches. After meeting a nanny named Jenny, who was tasked with the care of an American couple's baby, he learns that the baby has gone missing. Desperate for his assistance, "the Saint" determines that the disappearance is in relation to a baby-trafficking organization. Taking the investigation to Brazil, Templar must work quickly to bring the child safely home.[31]

The Saint: The Blue Dulac (1989)[edit]

When the home Jacques and Christine Coustard is obliterated in an explosion, Simon Templar is determined to solve their homicide. The couple were intended to serve as witnesses in a trial against a criminal gangster named George Lafosse, and the latter is acquitted after his mob holds the judge's family hostage. Under the alias and disguise of a jewel thief, Templar infiltrates the Lafosse organization with intentions to avenge the murder of his friends.[32]

The Saint: Fear in Fun Park (1990)[edit]

Simon Templar arrives in Sydney, tasked with investigating the disappearance of one of his friend's daughters. Believed to have been abducted by a Chinese crime ring for human trafficking, Templar soon discovers other similar occurrences in the area. During the investigation, a former romantic interest named Felicity approaches him for his assistance as a variety of Oriental establishments have been threatening her and her parents with intentions to coerce them into selling their fairground amusement location named Fun Park. Determined to help each of his friends and to solve the disappearances of young women in the area, "the Saint" beings to realize connections between the two cases.[33]

The Saint: Wrong Number (1990)[edit]

While initially enjoying a vacation in Berlin, Simon Templar receives a call in his hotel room which was intended for another guest at the establishment with instructions for the receiving end to meet at a specified location for a rendezvous. After they are found to have been murdered in their room, "the Saint" resolves to arrive at the location under the guise of the man who was killed with intentions to investigate the mystery. Avoiding pursuits of similarly intended demise, Templar reaches the location and is approached with recruitment proposition by an anti-terrorist organization which is trying to stop a missile assault by a terrorist named Peter Lang. Determined to save the innocent lives at risk, he works in collaboration with the group to prevent the catastrophic events.[34]

The Saint: The Big Bang (1990)[edit]

Following the death of a millionairess named Baronne being ruled out as suicide, Simon Templar begins his own investigation. Not convinced of the verdict, Templar believes that a more sinister cause of death is to blame. As she was the owner of Grainville Electronics, his research leads him to believe that someone within the corporation organized a homicide with intentions to illegal take-over of the company. With the aid of an American news reporter named Verity, "the Saint" works to determine the true nature of Baronne's death, before her company is assigned new leadership who may be her murderer.[35]

The Saint: The Software Murders (1990)[edit]

Following the suspicious deaths of three scientists who were developing explosive detection devices, Templar's friend and colleague named Jack Rushden is tasked with investigating their demise. When he is murdered while on the phone with Simon Templar followed by the killer threatening to come after him next, "the Saint" determines to avenge his friend and find the killer himself. When his research brings him to a science conference at a rural manor, he works with a computer expert named Irina to solve what has become known publicly as the Software Murders.[36]

The Saint (2017)[edit]

After diverting an exchange between terrorist groups, and escaping with their funds, Simon Templar / the Saint finds himself in the middle of an ongoing pursuit including the parties involved and the FBI. Giving the money to a friend in Bucharest with instructions to distribute the funds to various humanitarian organizations, only for the funds to be intercepted by a banker with a criminal past named Arnie Valecross who was hired by a mysterious man under the alias of "the Fixer". Despite his initial instructions, Valecross sends the money to a different account and seeks assistance from the FBI, with hopes of clearing his name. Following his decision, his daughter Zooey is abducted by the organization that had contracted him for the job; they request the money be returned within 48 hours, using his daughter as a hostage. Being made aware of how the situation has evolved, Templar works with his associate Patricia Holm to discover the true identity of the mysterious man. Racing against the clock, "the Saint" must retrieve the money and save Zooey's life, while staying ahead of the FBI who have been following him for years. During the investigation, he discovers that "the Fixer" may have connections to a dangerous person from his past.[37][38]

Main cast and characters[edit]

List indicator(s)

This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in the franchise.

  • An empty, dark grey cell indicates the character was not in the film, or that the character's official presence has not yet been confirmed.
  •  V indicates a voice-only role.
  •  Y indicates a younger version of the character.
Character Theatrical films Television Radio
The "Saint" in New York The Saint Strikes Back The Saint in London The Saint's Double Trouble The Saint Takes Over The Saint in Palm Springs The Saint's Vacation The Saint Meets the Tiger The Saint's Return The Saint Untitled reboot The Saint
(1962–1969)
Return of the Saint
(1978–1979)
Movies The Saint
(1945–1951)
Principal cast
Simon Templar
The Saint
Louis Hayward George Sanders Hugh Sinclair Louis Hayward Val Kilmer[a]
Adam SmithY
Regé-Jean Page Roger Moore Ian Ogilvy Ian Ogilvy[b]
Andrew Clarke[c]
Simon Dutton[d]
Adam Rayner[e]
Louis HynesY[f]
Edgar BarrierV[g]
Brian AherneV[h]
Vincent PriceV[i]
Tom ConwayV[j]
Barry SullivanV[k]
Insp. Henry Fernack Jonathan Hale Jonathan Hale Kevin Tighe[l]
Enrique Murciano[m]
Insp. Claud Teal Gordon McLeod Gordon McLeod Charles Victor Alun Armstrong Ivor Dean David Ryall[n] John Brown
Patricia "Pat" Holm Jean Gillie Eliza Dushku[o] Louise ArthurV
Supporting cast
Hoppy Thomas Gallagher Ken ChristyV
Hutch Rellin Sig Ruman
William Valcross
Big Fellow
Frederick Burton
Valerie Travers Wendy Barrie
Mr. Cullis Jerome Cowan
Penny Parker Sally Gray
Bruno Lang Henry Oscar
Anne Bitts Helene Whitney
Boss Duke Bates George Sanders
The Partner Bela Lugosi
Ruth Summers Wendy Barrie
"Big" Ben Egan Pierre Watkin
Albert "Rocky" Weldon Roland Drew
Leo Sloan Robert Emmett Keane
Sam Reese Morgan Conway
Max Bremer Cyrus W. Kendall
Clarence "Pearly" Gates Paul Guilfoyle
Elna Johnson Wendy Barrie
Margaret Forbes Linda Hayes
Mr. Evans Ferris Taylor
Mary Langdon Sally Gray
Monty Hayward Arthur Macrae
Rudolph Hauser Cecil Parker
SIS Valerie Leueen Macgrath
Mr. Tidemarsh
The Tiger
Clifford Evans
Carol Denby Naomi Chance
Kate Finch Jane Carr
Max Lennar Sydney Tafler
Dr. Emma Russell Elisabeth Shue
Ivan Petrovich Tretiak Rade Šerbedžija
Ilya Tretiak Valery Nikolaev
Dr. Lev Naumovich Botvin Henry Goodman
President of Russia
Karpov
Evgeny Lazarev
Radio announcer Roger Moore
Margot Katka Liliana Komorowska[p]
Fran Grogan Holland Taylor[q]
Lily Palmer / Jessica Daniels Caitlin Clarke[r]
Mrs. Cunningham Gayle Hunnicutt[s]
Jenny
The Nanny
Jenifer Landor[t]
Sabine Gautier Sabine Naud[u]
Seraphine Gautier Camille Naud[v]
George Lafosse John Astin[w]
Harry Ed Devereaux[x]
Aileen Rebecca Gilling[y]
Felicity Nikki Coghill[z]
Justin Richard Roxburgh[aa]
Stella Moreau Arielle Dombasle[ab]
Otto Schmidt Günther-Maria Halmer[ac]
Gen. Daniel T. Donovan Vince Edwards[ad]
Col. Dimitri Grigoriev Manfred Lehmann[ae]
Peter Lang Arnfried Lerche[af]
Verity Morgan Brittany[ag]
Baroness Stoller Dominique Varda[ah]
Mr. Demoyne Jerry Di Giacomo[ai]
Mr. Blancpain Jean-Claude Dauphin[aj]
Irina Pamela Sue Martin[ak]
River Malcolm Stoddard[al]
Arnold "Arnie" Valecross James Remar[am]
Zooey Valecross Sammi Hanratty[an]
Xander
The Fixer
Ian Ogilvy[ao]
Adam WoodwardY[ap]
Rayt Marius Thomas Kretschmann[aq]
Jasper Roger Moore[ar]

Additional crew and production details[edit]

Title Crew/Detail
Composer(s) Cinematographer(s) Editor(s) Production
companies
Distributing
companies
Running time
The "Saint" in New York Roy Webb Joseph H. August & Frank Redman Harry Marker RKO Radio Pictures 1hr 11 mins
The Saint Strikes Back Frank Redman Jack Hively 1 hr 6 mins
The Saint in London Marr Mackie Claude Friese-Greene Douglas Robertson 1 hr 17 mins
The Saint's Double Trouble Roy Webb J. Roy Hunt Theron Warth & Desmond Marquette
The Saint Takes Over Frank Redman Desmond Marquette 1 hr 9 mins
The Saint in Palm Springs Harry J. Wild George Hively 1 hr 6 mins
The Saint's Vacation Bretton Byrd Bernard Knowles Al Barnes & Ralph Kemplen 1 hr 1 min
The Saint Meets the Tiger Bretton Byrd, John Greenwood,
Miklós Rózsa, and Roy Webb
Robert Krasker Ralph Kemplen RKO Radio British Productions RKO Radio Pictures 1 hr 10 mins
The Saint's Return Roy Webb Walter J. Harvey James Needs Hammer Film Productions RKO Radio Pictures,
Exclusive Films
1 hr 13 mins
The Saint and the Brave Goose John Scott Frank Watts Peter Pitt Incorporated Television Company ITC Entertainment 1 hr 40 mins
The Saint: The Brazilian Connection Serge Franklin Ian Toynton Bill Shapter Taffner Ramsay-Templar Productions Network Seven
The Saint: The Blue Dulac 1 hr 32 mins
The Saint: Fear in Fun Park Peter Best Andrew Lesnie Donald Crombie 1 hr 40 mins
The Saint: Wrong Number Günther Fischer Michael Heiter Jutta Hering & Bill Shapter
The Saint: The Big Bang Serge Franklin John Handler Paolo Barzman
The Saint: The Software Murders Henry Herbert
The Saint
(1997)
Graeme Revell Phil Meheux Terry Rawlings Mace Neufeld Productions,
Rysher Entertainment
Paramount Pictures 1 hr 56 mins
The Saint
(2017)
Neal Acree Paul M. Sommers Michael Purl, Heath Ryan & Henk Van Eeghen Motion Picture Corporation of America,
Silver Screen Pictures
20th Century Studios Home Entertainment 1 hr 31 mins
Untitled reboot TBA TBA TBA Warner Bros. Pictures TBA

Reception[edit]

Box office and financial performance[edit]

Film Box office gross Box office ranking Worldwide
Total income
Budget Ref.
North America Other territories Worldwide All time
North America
All time
worldwide
The "Saint" in New York $460,000 $460,000 Information not publicly available >$460,000 $128,000 [39]
The Saint Strikes Back $460,000 $460,000 Information not publicly available >$460,000 $128,000 [40]
The Saint in London $140,000 $140,000 Information not publicly available $140,000 Information not publicly available [41]
The Saint's Double Trouble Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available
The Saint Takes Over Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available
The Saint in Palm Springs Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available $90,000 Information not publicly available [42]
The Saint's Vacation Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available
The Saint Meets the Tiger Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available
The Saint's Return Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available Information not publicly available
The Saint $61,363,304 $108,036,696 $169,400,000 #1,440 #964 >$169,400,000 $90,000,000 [43][44]
Totals >$62,423,304 $108,036,696 >$170,460,000 x̄ #144 x̄ #96 >$170,550,000 >$90,256,000

Critical and public response[edit]

Film Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic CinemaScore
The "Saint" in New York [to be determined][45]
The Saint Strikes Back [to be determined][46]
The Saint in London [to be determined][47]
The Saint's Double Trouble [to be determined][48]
The Saint Takes Over [to be determined][49]
The Saint in Palm Springs [to be determined][50]
The Saint's Vacation [to be determined][51]
The Saint Meets the Tiger TBD[52]
The Saint's Return TBD[53]
The Saint (TV series) [to be determined] (5 reviews)[54]
Return of the Saint (TV series)
The Saint and the Brave Goose [55]
The Saint in Manhattan
The Saint: The Brazilian Connection
The Saint: The Blue Dulac
The Saint: Fear in Fun Park
The Saint: Wrong Number
The Saint: The Big Bang
The Saint: The Software Murders
The Saint (1997) 30% (47 reviews)[56] 50/100 (22 reviews)[57] B+[58]
The Saint (2017) [to be determined][59]

Explanatory notes[edit]

  1. ^ The adaptation of the character is given a real name as John Rossi, as portrayed by Kilmer.
  2. ^ Ogilvy portrayed Templar in The Saint and the Brave Goose (1978), continuing his role from the television series titled Return of the Saint.
  3. ^ Clarke portrayed Templar in 1987 for The Saint in Manhattan.
  4. ^ Dutton portrayed Templar from 1989-1994 for The Saint: The Brazilian Connection, The Saint: The Blue Dulac, The Saint: Fear in Fun Park, The Saint: Wrong Number, The Saint: The Big Bang, and The Saint: The Software Murders.
  5. ^ Rayner portrayed Templar in 2017 for, The Saint.
  6. ^ Hynes portrayed a younger age Templar in The Saint (2017).
  7. ^ Barrier portrayed the character from January 4–March 31, 1945.[17]
  8. ^ Aherne portrayed the character from June 10–September 12, 1945.[17]
  9. ^ Price portrayed the character from June 30, 1947–May 20, 1951.[17]
  10. ^ Conway portrayed the character from May 21, 1951–October 14, 1951.[17]
  11. ^ Sullivan briefly portrayed the character in a number of episodes.[18]
  12. ^ Tighe portrayed Fernack in The Saint in Manhattan.
  13. ^ Murciano portrayed Fernack in The Saint (2017).
  14. ^ Ryall featured in The Saint: The Software Murders.
  15. ^ Dushku portrayed Holm in The Saint (2017).
  16. ^ Komorowska featured in The Saint in Manhattan.
  17. ^ Taylor featured in The Saint in Manhattan.
  18. ^ Clarke featured in The Saint in Manhattan.
  19. ^ Hunnicutt featured in The Saint: The Brazilian Connection.
  20. ^ Landor featured in The Saint: The Brazilian Connection.
  21. ^ Sabine Naud featured in The Saint: The Blue Dulac.
  22. ^ Camille Naud featured in The Saint: The Blue Dulac.
  23. ^ Astin featured in The Saint: The Blue Dulac.
  24. ^ Devereaux featured in The Saint: Fear in Fun Park.
  25. ^ Gilling featured in The Saint: Fear in Fun Park.
  26. ^ Coghill featured in The Saint: Fear in Fun Park.
  27. ^ Roxburgh featured in The Saint: Fear in Fun Park.
  28. ^ Dombasle featured in The Saint: Wrong Number.
  29. ^ Halmer featured in The Saint: Wrong Number.
  30. ^ Edwards featured in The Saint: Wrong Number.
  31. ^ Lehmann featured in The Saint: Wrong Number.
  32. ^ Lerche featured in The Saint: Wrong Number.
  33. ^ Brittany featured in The Saint: The Big Bang.
  34. ^ Varda featured in The Saint: The Big Bang.
  35. ^ Di Giacomo featured in The Saint: The Big Bang.
  36. ^ Dauphin featured in The Saint: The Big Bang.
  37. ^ Martin featured in The Saint: The Software Murders.
  38. ^ Stoddard featured in The Saint: The Software Murders.
  39. ^ Remar featured in The Saint (2017).
  40. ^ Hanratty featured in The Saint (2017).
  41. ^ Ogilvy portrays the villain in The Saint (2017), after previously staring as the titular heroic character in Return of the Saint television series and its television movie, The Saint and the Brave Goose.
  42. ^ Woodward featured in The Saint (2017).
  43. ^ Kretschmann featured in The Saint (2017).
  44. ^ Moore portrays a different character in The Saint (2017), after previously starring as the titular hero in the 1960s television series.

References[edit]

  1. ^ World Collectors Net staff. "Collecting Leslie Charteris and The Saint". World Collectors Net. World Collectors Net. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  2. ^ Lochte, Dick. "Beyond the Book: The Saint". Mystery Scene. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  3. ^ "The Saint in New York (1938)". AFI. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  4. ^ Wollstein, Hans J. (June 3, 1938). "The Saint in New York (1938)". All Movie. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  5. ^ Butler, Craig (March 10, 1939). "The Saint Strikes Back (1939)". All Movie. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  6. ^ Erickson, Hal (June 30, 1939). "The Saint in London (1939)". All Movie. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  7. ^ Erickson, Hal (January 26, 1940). "The Saint's Double Trouble (1940)". All Movie. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  8. ^ Erickson, Hal (June 7, 1940). "The Saint Takes Over (1940)". All Movie. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  9. ^ Erickson, Hal (January 24, 1941). "The Saint in Palm Springs (1941)". All Movie. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  10. ^ Erickson, Hal (May 9, 1941). "The Saint's Vacation (1941)". All Movie. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  11. ^ Brennan, Sandra (July 29, 1943). "The Saint Meets the Tiger (1943)". All Movie. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  12. ^ Erickson, Hal (April 15, 1953). "The Saint's Girl Friday (1953)". All Movie. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  13. ^ McCarthy, Todd (March 30, 1997). "The Saint". Variety. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  14. ^ Kroll, Justin (February 18, 2020). "'Rocketman' Filmmaker Dexter Fletcher to Direct 'The Saint' Reboot (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  15. ^ Kit, Borys & Aaron Couch (July 27, 2021). "Rege-Jean Page to Star in Paramount's 'The Saint' Reboot (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  16. ^ Vlessing, Etan (November 20, 2023). "Doug Liman to Direct Paramount's 'The Saint' Reboot". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h Dunning, John (1998). On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio (Revised ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. pp. 596–597. ISBN 978-0-19-507678-3. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  18. ^ a b c Buxton, Frank and Owen, Bill (1972). The Big Broadcast: 1920–1950. The Viking Press. SBN 670-16240-x. P. 206.
  19. ^ The New York Times staff (April 18, 1993). "Leslie Charteris Dies; Mystery Writer Was 85". The New York Times. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  20. ^ Chase, Chris (June 26, 1981). "At the Movies; Roger Moore is anybody's replacement". The New York Times. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  21. ^ Time Magazine staff (April 18, 1969). "Television". Time Magazine. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  22. ^ Bergan, Ronald (October 2, 2009). "Robert S Baker obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  23. ^ McLean, Stuart (October 8, 2006). "Review of Saint: The Complete Colour Episodes, The". MyReviewer.com. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  24. ^ Kuzmack, Nick (October 21, 2015). "The Saint – Seasons 1 & 2". Slug Mag. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  25. ^ Doc (December 7, 2003). "The Saint: Sets 5 & 6 (1967) – DVD Review". Need Coffee Dot Com. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  26. ^ Marcus, Laurence (January 27, 2007). "Return of the Saint". Television Heaven: Reviews...Histories...Biographies. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  27. ^ a b DforDoom (October 19, 2020). "Return of the Saint (1978-79)". Cult TV Lounge. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  28. ^ "Return of the Saint". The A.V. Club. The A.V. Club. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  29. ^ "The Saint and the Brave Goose". The A.V. Club. The A.V. Club. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  30. ^ "The Saint in Manhattan". Letterboxd. Letterboxd. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  31. ^ Letofsky, Irv (October 13, 1989). "TV Review : 'The Saint' First Up on the Mystery Wheel". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  32. ^ "The Saint: The Blue Dulac". The A.V. Club. The A.V. Club. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  33. ^ "The Saint: Fear in Fun Park". The A.V. Club. The A.V. Club. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  34. ^ "The Saint: Wrong Number". The A.V. Club. The A.V. Club. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  35. ^ "The Saint: The Big Bang". The A.V. Club. The A.V. Club. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  36. ^ "The Saint: The Software Murders". The A.V. Club. The A.V. Club. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  37. ^ Cullen, Ian (August 16, 2017). "In Review: The Saint (2017)". SciFi Pulse. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  38. ^ "The Saint (2017)". Letterboxd. Letterboxd. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  39. ^ Jewel, Richard (1994) "RKO Film Grosses: 1931-1951" in Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television, vol 14, no 1, p.55
  40. ^ "Richard B. Jewell's RKO film grosses, 1929–51: the C. J. Trevlin Ledger: a comment", Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television, Volume 14, Issue 1, 1994
  41. ^ Richard Jewell & Vernon Harbin, The RKO Story. New Rochelle, New York: Arlington House, 1982. p132
  42. ^ Richard Jewell & Vernon Harbin, The RKO Story. New Rochelle, New York: Arlington House, 1982. p. 156
  43. ^ "The Saint (1997)". The Numbers. Nash Information Services LLC. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  44. ^ "The Saint". Box Office Mojo. IMDb. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  45. ^ "The Saint in New York". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  46. ^ "The Saint Strikes Back". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  47. ^ "The Saint in London". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  48. ^ "The Saint's Double Trouble". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  49. ^ "The Saint Takes Over". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  50. ^ "The Saint in Palm Springs". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  51. ^ "The Saint's Vacation". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  52. ^ "The Saint Meets the Tiger". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  53. ^ "The Saint's Girl Friday". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  54. ^ "The Saint". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  55. ^ "The Saint and the Brave Goose". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  56. ^ "The Saint (1997)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  57. ^ "The Saint". Metacritic. Fandom Inc. Retrieved June 18, 2023.
  58. ^ "CinemaScore". CinemaScore. Archived from the original on April 13, 2022. Retrieved April 16, 2022.
  59. ^ "The Saint (2017)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved June 18, 2023.