1964 - Into its 3rd year, The Saint continued to go from strength to strength, but was still an unknown force compared to many of the mainstay programs which had recieved backing from the US giants NBC and ABC; despite running its longest series yet!

Over the coming years this, and many things would change.

During 1964 television changed with the emeregence of BBC2! Now 41 years old :o. Television in the US had Bewitched - the start of 8 years on ABC, The Lucy Show, Dick Van Dyke Show, Bonanza and The Fugitive; The Man From U.N.C.L.E. made its first of 4 series' appearance. Over here in the UK Top of the Pops first aired on the BBC, Crossroads appeared on ITV and Honor Blackman left The Avengers to join James Bond at the box office.

At the cinema the 3rd James Bond film in consecutive years was released to much acclaim - Goldfinger - hailed by many as the definative Bond film of Connery's reign - this authors view is that it was From Russia With Love. Mary Poppins was the top film of the year (throwing Julie Andrews into musical history), My Fair lady grossed more than James Bond whilst A Fistful of Dollars and Elvis: Roustabout were also popular. The Carry On franchise continued - releasing Cleo and Jack, cheesey and fabulous horror movies emerged, whilst Hammer printed The Devil Ship Pirates and the Frankenstein franchise continued with The Evil of Frankenstein - Peter Cusing and Christopher Lee were indeed very busy.

Elsewhere in 1964, Rhodesia and Nyasaland were dissolved; Zanzibar government overthrown by African nationalist rebels - by the end of the year Tanzania would be formed. The Beatles released I want to Hold Your Hand in the US - the start of Beatlemania. NASA and the Soviet Union both release satellites into orbit - Ranger 6 and Elektron I & II. The Beatles achieved one of the most amazing music feats, unlikely ever to be attained again - they held the top 5 places in the US billboard Top 40! System/360 is announced by IBM - the start of a computer revolution... In India, President Nehru passed away; Cypriot riots were still raging, with Greece refusing talks with both Turkey and Cyprus. Nelson Mandela is sent to Robben Island Prison whilst the Vietnam war contnued to intensify. In the UK The Sun replaced the Daily Herald, Harold Wilson become PM and Malta gained independence.

Finally, the 22 episodes of 1964: