The Saint, Set 1

Roger Moore stars as the "unmistakable, unstoppable, and unequalled" Simon Templar in this two-disc, six episode (first of many) box set of the '60s British TV series. Created by part-time bridge master, bullfighter and mystery author Leslie Charteris, the bon vivant Templar--a Robin Hood of hoods who always fought hard for truth, justice, and the prettiest woman in the room--first hit the screen in a series of 1940 B-movies with George Sanders, but it wasn't until Moore's debonair turn that this jet set buccaneer became internationally renowned. While A&E deserves credit for its white-gloved treatment of this popular series, with uncut and digitally remastered episodes that look better than the original broadcasts, the episodes themselves--truth be told--don't make for particularly compelling viewing. (The Patrick McGoohan starring Secret Agent series, which A&E has already scheduled for future DVD release, was a far better mystery-actioner.) Still, Moore is undeniably charismatic in the lead, and the series does have its many followers, making this an optional purchase for larger collections. (S. C. Sickles)