The Classic TV Archive - UK
"Calling Scotland Yard" (UK) (1953-54) - aka - "Adventure Theater"(US) (1956-57)
"The Vise"(anthology) (1954-55) "The Vise:Mark Saber" (1955-57) "Saber of London" (1957-60) "Detective's Diary" (1957-61)
"Man from Interpol" (1959-60) "The Cheaters" (1960-61) "Richard the Lionheart" (1961-62)
"Mark Saber Mystery Theatre" aka Homicide Squad" (US version) (1951-54) starring Tom Conway
<Previous The Vise: Mark Saber (i) (ABC)(1955-56) Next>
(Season 3) (imdb listing)
Episode Guide compiled by The Classic TV Archive
with contributions by: Trevor Jordan,(UK),
Author of Donald Gray's biography "Colonel White Meets Mark Saber"
D.W. McGregor (Sunderland, UK), David Moore (UK) Tom Alger (USA) [Updated June 2020 TA]
-----------
THE VISE: MARK SABER
-----------
(NBC re-run title - "Detective's Diary")
Danziger Photoplays production
executive producers
Edward J. Danziger and Harry Lee Danziger
"The Vise: Mark Saber" US airdates ABC (US )(Fridays 9:30pm EST ) Dec55-July57
65 episodes x 30 min bw (season 3: 26 episodes + season 4: 39 episodes)
Starring
Donald Gray
as Mark Saber
Regular Support Cast:
Teresa Thorne as Judy (us early 1956) (eps 1-26)
Michael Balfour as Barney O'Keefe (uk early 1956) (eps 1-26)
Diana Decker as Stephanie Ames (Stevie) (us 1956-57)(eps 27-65)
Recurring Cast:
Colin Tapley as Inspector Chester / Inspector Parker/ Inspector Price
[TR] Trevor Reid as Inspector Price
[PH] Patrick Holt as Inspector Brady (eps 1-2)
Ken Edwards as Inspector
Frank Hawkins as Inspector Chester
This UK crime series about the one-armed detective 'Mark Saber' followed on
from The Danzigers anthology series 'The Vise' 1954-55 hosted by Ron Randell.
Episode Numbers Continue from the 65 episodes of "The Vise" (antholgy series)
Saber is a one-armed Private Detective in London. Actor Donald Gray
actually lost his arm in World War II.
The series begins with the usual opening title sequence of 'The Vise'
as before, then fades . Instead of Ron Randell, Donald Gray walks into
his office and says "How do you do? The story is about people caught in
the jaws of a vise, we'll begin our story in a moment.
The series was NOT networked in the UK and air dates vary in
different ITV regions.
Most UK airdates listed here are from
ITV Associated-Rediffusion/ ITV ATV Midlands
ITV Granada Television / ITV Tyne-Tees Television.
It was shown in the US some 20 months EARLIER.
The "Mark Saber" episodes featuring Theresa Throne/Michael Balfour
were made and shown first on A-R London, followed by the episodes
featuring Diana Decker. A-R London then repeated the Balfour/ Thorne
episodes.
One way to determine production sequence is through the casting of
the Scotland Yard Inspector. In the Thorne/Balfour episode this
character was played by Patrick Holt. Mr. Holt continued playing
the part into the first few Diana Decker episodes. He was then replaced
by Colin Tapley who played the part right through to the end of
"Saber of London"
They all conclude with Donald Gray saying:
“See you again to tell you another story of those who are caught in the
jaws of a vice.”
(A slight variation on the usual goodbye.)
########### The Vise: Mark Saber ############
######### US season 3 (23Dec55-29Jun56) #########
##############################################
ABC [us] Fridays 9:30 pm Eastern
aired as part of "The Vise" series 2
Episode Nos. V-66 through V-91
Starring
Donald Gray as Mark Saber
Regular Support Cast:
Teresa Thorne as Judy & Michael Balfour as Barney O'Keefe
3.01 [V-66] The Vise: Mark Saber: A LADY IS MISSING
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
23Dec55 [us] ABC Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
06July56 [us] (repeat) ABC, Friday 9:30pm
16Nov57 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
23Jan59 [uk] A-R London, Fri
18Feb59 [uk] Granada, Wed
23Mar59 [uk] ATV Midlands Mon
Written by Brian Clemens / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Trevor Reid ........... Inspector Price (recurring)
Robert Ayres .......... Eddy Crane
Mary Colvin ........... Betty Farmer
Synopsis 1 (UK):
Eddy Crane asks Mark Saber to find his wife who has disappeared
when he was in America. The trail leads to a hunting lodge in Norfolk
Synopsis 2 (US):
A businessman, home from a trip to the U.S. reports that his wife is
missing from their London home. Mark Saber takes on the case and makes some
important discoveries in the couple's hunting lodge.
(NBC "Detective's Diary" re-run 16Nov57, Saturday 12:30am Eastern)
3.02 [V-67] The Vise: Mark Saber: DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
© 1955 Copyright year on Film
30Dec55 [us] ABC Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
13July56 (repeat) [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm
23Nov57 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
29Aug58 [uk] A-R London, Fri
2Jan59 [uk] Granada, Fri
9Feb59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
Written by Brian Clemens / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray (as Mark Saber)
Teresa Thorne (as Judy)
Michael Balfour (as Barney O'Keefe)
Sandra Dorne (as Linda)
Rick Rydon (as Bellamy)
Trevor Reid ........... Inspector Price (recurring)
Eric Pohlmann ......... Nichol
Uncredited Cast:
George A Cooper... Barman (one scene)
Arthur Mullard... Heavy (two scenes, minor “dialogue”)
Synopsis 1 (UK)
The fabulous de Winter diamond is stolen and the insurance company hires
Mark Saber to find the thief, but the strongest suspect is found dead.
Synopsis 2 (US):
An insurance company hires private eye Mark Saber to solve an international diamond robbery.
Saber follows the trail to a club where the owner and his girl friend are not very hospitable.
(NBC "Detective's Diary" re-run 23Nov57, Saturday 12:30am Eastern)
Synopsis 3 (US):
A famous private investigator is hired to find the stolen DeWinter diamond. [New York Times][TA]
3.03 [V-68] The Vise: Mark Saber: THE NIGHT HAS SECRETS
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
06Jan56 [us] ABC, Fri. 9:30pm (original network airdate)
20July56 (repeat) [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm
30Jan59 [uk] A-R London, Fri
26Feb59 [uk] Granada, Thur
30Mar59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
Written by Brian Clemens / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Trevor Reid .......... Inspector Price (recurring)
John Stone ........... George Witney
Claire Richardson .... Alison
Hal Ayer ............. Murray
Synopsis (U.K.):
George Witney is an ex-racing car driver who has suffered blackouts. After one, he finds a body
by his side and it looks like he is the murderer. He hires Mark Saber to see if he is a killer.
Synopsis (U.S.):
A man subject to sudden blackouts goes to the apartment of his wife's first
husband in a rage. The man has been blackmailing her.
(Delayed 22Jul56 local broadcast WTRF-7, Wheeling, West Virginia, Saturday 11:00pm)
3.04 [V-69] The Vise: Mark Saber: THE CAPTIVE BRAIN
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
© 1955 Copyright date on Film
13Jan56 [us] ABC, Fri. 9:30pm (original network airdate)
27July56 [us] (repeat) ABC, Friday 9:30pm
24Aug56 (repeat) [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm [according to NY Times]
30Nov57 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
20May58 [uk] A-R London, Tue
17Jun58 [uk] ATV Midlands, Tue
18Dec58 [uk] Granada, Thur
Written by John Roeburt / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Trevor Reid .......... Inspector Price (recurring)
Jenny Laird .......... Mrs. Sanson
Jan Holden ........... Julia
Gerard Heinz ......... Hugo Berber
Leo Bieber ........... Mr. Sanson
Synopsis 1 (UK):
A loan company's middle-aged book keeper vanishes. The evidence points
to him but Mark Saber is not satisfied.
Synopsis 2 (US):
Detective Mark Saber is approached by the wife of a bookkeeper whose husband has suddenly
disappeared. Saber investigates and finds that there is more to the case than meets the eye.
Synopsis 3:
A missing bookkeeper leads to international intrigue. [NY Times]
3.05 [V-70] The Vise: Mark Saber: THE GIRL FROM ROME
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
20Jan56 [us] ABC, Fri. 9:30pm (original network airdate)
03Aug56 (repeat) [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm
7Dec57 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
2Jan59 [uk] A-R London, Fri
22Jan59 [uk] Granada, Thur
2Mar59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
Written by James Eastwood / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Frank Hawkins ......... Inspector Chester (recurring)
John Farrell .......... Mr. Johnson
Josephine Barrington .. Mrs. Johnson
Leslie Phillips ....... Benson
Ryck Rydon ............ First Thug
Errol McKinnon ........ Second Thug
Enid Irvin ............ Woman Clerk
Dorothy Gordon ........ Tina
Angela Krefeld ...... Gina
Celia Hewitt .......... Maria
Andreas Melandrinos ... Owner
Synopsis 1 (UK)
In a fog, a young Italian girl asks Mark Saber for help, a minute later she lies murdered
and he is left unconscious. His efforts lead to another murder and he finds an ingenious plot.
Synopsis 2 (US):
The murders of two servant girls, brought from Italy to England, are too
much of a coincidence to satisfy Detective Saber.
(NBC "Detective's Diary" re-run 7Dec57, Saturday 12:30am Eastern)
Synopsis 3 (US):
Take one foggy London street, add a terrified Italian servant girl and a brace of thugs.
Mix well and you have a murder mystery. [Philadelphia PA Inquirer][TA]
3.06 [V-71] The Vise: Mark Saber: MANHUNT aka MAN HUNT
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
27Jan56 [us] ABC, Fri. 9:30pm (original network airdate)
24Aug56 (repeat) [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm
14Dec57 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
13Feb59 [uk] A-R London, Fri
12Mar59 [uk] Granada, Thur
no airdate listed for ATV Midlands
Written by Brian Clemens / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(verified)
Frank Hawkins ......... Inspector Price? (Chester) (recurring)
Gilbert Winfield ...... Karl
Billy Nagy ............ Benny
Tony Quinn ............ Joe
Alan Tilvern .......... Lamont
Synopsis 1:
Who is Lamont the man behind a series of burglaries. Barney (Michael Balfour) goes underground to find out.
Synopsis 2:
Price asks Mark Saber to help solve a series of robberies. The plan is for Barney O'Keefe to join
the ring as a fellow criminal. [TV Guide]
3.07 [V-72] The Vise: Mark Saber: THE BIG SNATCH
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
03Feb56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
31Aug56 (repeat) [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm
21Dec57 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
29Apr58 [uk] A-R London, Tue
27May58 [uk] ATV Midlands Tue
12Dec58 [uk] Granada, Fri
Written by Brian Clemens / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Diana Decker .......... Stevie Ames (recurring - entry episode)
Frank Hawkins ......... Inspector Chester (recurring)
Catherine Finn ........ Cora
Garry Thorne .......... Smoky
Shirley Lawrence [according to Ross Reports]
Synopsis 1:
Kidnapping is an ugly business with relatives frightened to call the police, but Cora Milton seeks Mark Saber's help.
Synopsis 2:
Millionaire's daughter is kidnapped. Saber locates hideout. [Long Island NY Star-Journal]
Synopsis 3:
Donald Gray as Investigator Mark Saber and Shirley Lawrence as a kidnaped English heiress held
in a strange hide-away, are the principals in the suspense drama "The Big Snatch."
[31Aug56 Elyria Ohio Chronicle Telegram]
3.08 [V-73] The Vise: Mark Saber: WALK SOFTLY FOR MURDER
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
10Feb56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
07Sep56 (repeat) [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm
28Dec57 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
28Jan59 [uk] Granada, Wed
4May59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
no airdate for A-R London
Written by Gwen Davies / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Lucy Mannheim ......... Emma
Frank Hawkins ......... Inspector Chester (recurring)
Alan Gifford .......... Hilyer
Nicholas Stuart ....... Sloan
Synopsis 1:
When Emma, a wartime heroine of the Resistance asks Mark Saber for help he finds
himself mixed up in a dangerous political intrigue.
Synopsis 2:
Mark Saber confronts an arrogant millionaire importer and a frightened girl while trying to unravel two murders.
[Philadelphia PA Inquirer]
3.09 [V-74] The Vise: Mark Saber: DEATH HAS THREE FACES
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
© 1955 Copyright year on Film
17Feb56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
14Sep56 (repeat) [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm
17Jun58 [uk] A-R London, Tue
1Jan59 [uk] Granada, Thur
26Jan59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
Written by Brian Clemens / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(NOT appearing)
Frank Hawkins ......... Inspector Chester (recurring)
Jack Lester ........... Harry Larkin
Al Mulock (Alf Mullock?) ……….. Vanders
Mavis Villiers ........ Lili Martin
Colin Croft ........... Tony Lawson
Synopsis 1:
A man thrusts a package into Mark Saber's hand and then collapses and dies. It contains three photos - of Lili Martin, a torch singer,
Tony Lawson a well-to-do young man, and Harry Larkin a businessman. What is their connection with the strangers death.
Synopsis 2:
A dying man hands Mark Saber three photographs just before he dies. Saber and his sidekick O’Keefe must
link the three people in the photographs to the murder. [TV Guide][TA]
3.10 [V-75] The Vise: Mark Saber:
THE SALLY ANKERS STORY (UK title) THE SALLY ANKENS STORY (US title)
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
24Feb56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
21Sep56 (repeat) [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm
04Jan58 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
27Feb59 [uk] A-R London, Fri
12Mar59 [uk] Granada, Thur
no airdate for ATV Midlands
Written by Gwen Davies / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Jill Clifford ......... Sally Ankers
Marne Maitland ........ Pierre
Ferdy Mayne ........... Armand
John Stuart …. Mr. Ankers
Peter Arne ............ Customs Officer
Synopsis 1:
Mark Saber is asked to protect a wealthy young woman from a fortune hunter who turns out to be a dangerous Frenchman.
Synopsis 2:
Private investigator Mark Saber saves an American heiress from marriage to a Parisian adventurer
who seeks to involve her in jewel smuggling. [Philadelphia PA Inquirer]
Synopsis 3:
Plot to pull jewels out of rabbit foiled.
3.11 [V-76] The Vise: Mark Saber: NO REPLY FROM ROOM 17
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
02Mar56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
11Jan58 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
13Feb59 [uk] A-R London, Fri
11Mar59 [uk] Granada, Wed
13Apr59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
Written by James Eastwood and Kate Barlay (verified on film)
Directed by Ernest Morris
Guest Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Frank Hawkins ......... Inspector Chester (verified on film)
Patrick Holt .......... Mr. Grant
Hugh Latimer .......... Hotelier
Hazel Graeme .......... Sales Girl
Leo Bieber ............ Caretaker
Michel Clement ........ Porter'Wife
Arnold Diamond ........ Clerk
Synopsis:
Mark Saber has a case of murder and robbery leading to Madame Rita.
3.12 [V-77] The Vise: Mark Saber: COLLECTOR'S ITEM
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
09Mar56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
(24Mar1956 ABC, NBC Sat affiliate WTRF-TV West Virginia)
18Jan58 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
3Jun58 [uk] A-R London, Tue
23Dec58 [uk] Granada, Tue
12Jan59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
Written by Ken Taylor / Directed by Ernest Morris [TJ][DwMcG]
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Frank Hawkins ......... Inspector Chester (recurring)
Gladys Boot ........... Louise Edmonds
Jan Holden ............ Jean
John Springett ........ Glover
Robert Raikes ......... Peter
Synopsis 1:
When wealthy Louise Edmonds disappears with a man called Glover, her nephew, fearing for her safety, asks Mark Saber
to find the couple. Saber traces them to a lonely cottage, but finds only a blood-stained hammer and a charred button.
Synopsis 2:
Shortly after eloping with a gold digging suitor, a wealthy woman is found murdered in a lonely cottage.
[Philadelphia PA Inquirer][TA]
3.13 [V-78] The Vise: Mark Saber: HEAR NO EVIL
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
16Mar56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
25Jan58 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
11Apr59 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
9Jan59 [uk] A-R London, Mon
21Jan59 [uk] Granada,
9Mar59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
Story by Gwen Davies / Screenplay Brian Clemens / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(verified)
Nanette Newman ........ Julia
John Stone ............ Andrew
Catherine Finn ........ Helen
Alastair Hunter ....... Howard
Shirley Lawrence ...... Jessica
Iris Vandeleur ......... Miriam
Synopsis (UK):
A wealthy bed-ridden old woman is obsessed that one of her family is more interested in her money than her company.
Synopsis (US):
A wealthy deaf woman is suspicious of the relatives who will share her estate when she dies. She calls Mark Saber to protect her,
but he is skeptical of her fears and refuses the case. The detective is soon faced with tragic proof of the old lady's danger.
(NBC "Detective's Diary" re-runs 25Jan58 & 11Apr59, Saturday at 12:30pm Eastern)
3.14 [V-79] The Vise: Mark Saber: KILLER ON THE PROWL
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
23Mar56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
16Jan59 [uk] A-R London, Fri
11Feb59 [uk] Granada, Wed
16Mar59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
Written by Brian Clemens
Directed by Splinters Deason
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Sandra Dorne .......... Betty
Patrick Holt .......... Vincent
Hal Ayer .............. Sam Fields
Leslie Kyle ........... Thompson
Frank Hawkins ......... Inspector Chester (recurring)
Synopsis:
A radio report that Sam Fields has escaped from a lunatic asylum brings fear to the Roe family
3.15 [V-80] The Vise: Mark Saber: SHROUD FOR A LADY
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
30Mar56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
01Feb58 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
18Mar59 [uk] Granada, Wed
11May59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
no airdate for A-R London
Written by John Roeburt / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Evelyn Roberts ........ Baxter
Basil Dignam .......... Ralph
Andrew Leigh .......... Vance
Nicholas Stewart (Nicholas Stuart) …… Tom
Kay Callard ........... Deborah
Ronald Leigh-Hunt ..... Doctor
Christine Silver ...... Belle Adams
Synopsis:
Belle Adams, an actress on the verge of a comeback is put in a sanitorium and her manager
asks Mark Saber to find out why. Saber uncovers a sinister plot.
3.16 [V-81] The Vise: Mark Saber: MURDER BY DESIGN
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
06Apr56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
(Aired 12Apr57 on WPIX-11, New York City)("Uncovered" series)
08Feb58 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
19Feb59 [uk] Granada, Mon
20Apr59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
6Oct59 [uk] A-R London, Tue
Written by John Roeburt / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Colin Taply ........... Inspector Parker (recurring)
Marne Maitland ........ Sirati
Lilian Ellis .......... Stella
Angela Krefeld ....... Mona
Ryck Rydon ............ Jimmy
Bill Nagy ............. Bonsell
Donald Stewart ........ Lacey
Synopsis:
Many people have a reason for killing night club owner Lacey. Mark Saber finds
it hard to find the killer and so sets a trap.
3.17 [V-82] The Vise: Mark Saber: FRAME-UP WITHOUT GLOVES
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
13Apr56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
(NBC "Detective's Diary" re-run 15Feb58, Saturday at 12:30pm Eastern)
12Sep58 [uk] A-R London, Fri
14Jan59 [uk] Granada, Wed
23Feb59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
Written by Gilbert Winfield / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(verified)
Lee Patterson ......... Billy
Patrick Holt .......... Mattern
Brenda Hogan .......... Helen
Gerard Heinz .......... Dutch
Frank Hawkins ......... Inspector Chester (recurring)
Mary Baker ............ Manager
Stephen Gray .......... Promoter
Gilbert Winfied ....... 2nd
Synopsis (US):
A crooked fight manager attempts to get a hard-working boxer to throw a fight.
(NBC "Detective's Diary" re-run 15Feb58, Saturday at 12:30pm Eastern)
Synopsis (UK):
Billy, a promising young boxer changes manager and then starts losing every fight.
His wife employs Mark Saber to find out why.
3.18 [V-83] The Vise: Mark Saber:
IT'S ONLY MINK (US title) THE TALL DARK MAN (UK title)
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
© 1956 Copyright date on film
20Apr56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
29Jun56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (network repeat airdate ?)
19Mar59 [uk] Granada, Thur
18May59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
19Oct59 [uk] A-R London, Mon
Written by James Eastwood and Kate Barlay / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(verified)
Colin Tapley .......... Inspector Chester* (recurring)
(*screen credits say "Chester", yet in the episode he is called "Parker")
Kay Callard ........... Carol
Jennifer Jayne ........ Guest
Anne Lancaster ........ Fatlady
John Farrell .......... Fatlady's husband
Robert Ayres .......... Robinson
Jack Robinson ......... Guest
Dennis Broad (or Dennis Bryan) ………. Guest
Mrs. Balfour .......... Blonde
Jack Armstrong [according to Ross Reports]
Synopsis:
Mark Saber's secretary Judy, realises an ambition when she goes to a society party
in a fur coat, but she is bait for fur thieves.
3.19 [V-84] The Vise: Mark Saber: VANISHING WITNESS (US title) THE LONG WAIT (UK title)
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
(original network airdate - not known) (possibly skipped during original ABC run)
6Feb59 [uk] A-R London, Fri
25Mar59 [uk] Granada, Wed
6Apr59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
Written by Brian Clemens / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Colin Tapley .......... Inspector Price? (OR Chester) (recurring)
Garry Thorne .......... Jerry Wescott
Katherine Page ........ Mrs. Wescott
Hal Ayer .............. Davies
Gilbert Winfield ...... Deeley
Cecil Paul ............ Collins/Wylie
Jerry Wescott is convicted of murder and only his mother believes he is innocent.
She seeks Mark Saber to save her son from the gallows.
3.20 [V-85] The Vise: Mark Saber: A COFFIN FOR JOHNNY
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
27Apr56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
08Mar58 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
27May58 [uk] A-R London, Tue
19Dec58 [uk] Granada, Fri
5Jan59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
Written by Brian Clemens / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
John Longden .......... Durvey
Neil Hallett ........... Peter Dillon
Colin Croft ........... Fred Dillon
Patrick Holt .......... John Dillon
Synopsis:
A grave digger accidently puts his spade through a coffin all it contains is sand.
Mark Saber has the sand analysed discovering smugglers.
[--] 04May56 ABC - repeat of 2.22 [V-61] The Vise (anthology): WRONG TIME MURDER
Cast:
John Loder, Jean Aubrey, Peter Reynolds Alastair Hunter, Eunice Melville.
[--] 11May56 ABC - postponed episode from previous season.
2.26 [V-65] The Vise (anthology): SNAPSHOT
11May56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm
originally scheduled for 16Dec55 on ABC [us]
Cast:
Philip Friend, Dorothy Gordon, Rosamund Waring,
John Harvey, Ronald Leigh Hunt
Synopsis 1:
Chance photo leads to two murders. [Long Island NY Star-Journal]
Synopsis 2:
A photograph snapped at a railroad station leads to murder. [16Dec55 New York Post]
3.21 [V-86] The Vise: Mark Saber: DEADLINE FOR MURDER
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
18May56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
15Mar58 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
10Jun58 [uk] A-R London, Tue
3Dec58 [uk] Granada, Wed
19Jan59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
Written by Gwen Davies / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Sandra Dorne .......... Diana
Peter Halpin .......... Donaldson
John Stuart ........... George Baxter
Colin Tapley .......... Inspector Price (recurring)
(*screen credits say "Price", yet in the episode he is called "Parker")
Pat Halpin [according to Ross Reports]
Bill Billington [according to Ross Reports]
Cecil Paul [according to Ross Reports]
Synopsis:
George Baxter asks Mark Saber to investigate some letters he has been
getting from his partner. Saber visit his partner finding him dead.
3.22 [V-87] The Vise: Mark Saber: FIND A BODY
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
("Drama Guide" book have the WRONG title - "Find A Baby")
25May56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
22Mar58 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
5Sep58 [uk] A-R London, Fri
15Jan59 [uk] Granada, Thur
16Feb59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
Written by John Roeburt / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Basil Dignam .......... Mr Tower
Catherine Finn ........ Mrs.Tower
Michael Brill ......... Kirk
Colin Tapley [according to Ross Reports]
Synopsis:
Albert Tower believes his wife is trying to kill. Mark Saber arranges to meet him weekly
to put his mind at rest. All goes well until he doesn't turn up for the second meeting.
3.23 [V-88] The Vise: Mark Saber: MURDER FOR GAIN
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
01Jun56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
29Mar58 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
25Feb59 [uk] Granada, Wed
27Apr59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
7Oct59 [uk] A-R London, Wed
Written by Brian Clemens / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Colin Tapley .......... Inspector Parker (recurring)
David Horne ........... Edward Ward
Kenneth Lucknan ....... James Ward
Gene Anderson ......... Norma Ward
Catherine Finn ........ Matron
Lloyd Lamble .......... Farell
Synopsis:
Mark Saber uncovers an ingenious way of committing murder
when he finds a wealthy woman dead through Cyanide poisoning.
3.24 [V-89] The Vise: Mark Saber: THERE'S DANGER IN BEAUTY
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
08Jun56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
05Apr58 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
21Jan59 [uk] Granada, Wed
25May59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
26Oct59 [uk] A-R London, Mon
Written by Gilbert Winfied / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Paula Byrne ........... Maxine
Mary Laura Woods ...... Swanson
Celia Hewitt .......... Ration girl
Val (Valerie) Vernon ............ Receptionist
Liz Mason ............. First Girl
Jennifer Jayne ........ Second Girl
Frank Hawkins ......... Inspector Chester (recurring)
Cecil Paul ............ Mechanic
Synopsis:
Mark Saber's secretary Judy is sent undercover to investigate a case of sabotage in a beauty salon.
3.25 [V-90] The Vise: Mark Saber: BLOOD IN THE SKY
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
15Jun56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
12Apr58 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
6May58 [uk] A-R London, Tue
10Jun58 [uk] ATV Midlands, Tue
16Dec58 [uk] Granada, Tue
Written by Brian Clemens / Directed by Ernest Morris
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
John Stuart ........... Donaldson
Ryck Rydon ............ Canning
John Stone ............ Harry Sullivan
Patrick McGoohan ...... Vance
Kay Callard ........... Julia
Charles Richardson .... Ford
Keith Grieve [guest according to Ross Reports]
Synopsis:
A plane on its way to Aria explodes. Mark Saber interviews the relatives
and finds that each had a motive.
3.26 [V-91] The Vise: Mark Saber: DEATH NEEDS NO CANE
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
22Jun56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (original network airdate)
19Apr58 [us] re-run on NBC's "Detective's Diary" series
22Aug58 [uk] A-R London, Fri
9Jan59 [uk] Granada, Fri
2Feb59 [uk] ATV Midlands, Mon
Written by Gilbert Winfield / Directed by Splinters Deason
Cast:
Donald Gray ........... Mark Saber
Teresa Thorne ......... Judy (recurring)(to be verified)
Michael Balfour ....... Barney O'Keefe (recurring)(to be verified)
Colin Tapley .......... Inspector
Sandra Dorne .......... Dolly
Patrick Halpin ........ Peabody
Gilbert Winfield ...... Connor
Patrick Holt [guest according to Ross Reports]
Synopsis:
A stockbroker seeks Mark Saber's help when he finds he has
received £10,000 in counterfeit money.
3.xx [V-xx] The Vise: Mark Saber:
IT'S ONLY MINK (US title) THE TALL DARK MAN (UK title) (Duplication see 3.18)
starring Donald Gray with Teresa Thorne & Michael Balfour
29Jun56 [us] ABC, Friday 9:30pm (network airdate) Possibly a Repeat or Postponed
------------------------------
US ABC network repeats:
-----------------------------
[--] 06July56 repeat of 3.01 “A Lady Is Missing”
[--] 13July56 repeat of 3.02 “Diamond Cut Diamond”
[--] 20July56 repeat of 3.03“The Night Has Secrets”
[--] 27July56 repeat of 3.04 "The Captive Brain”
[--] 03Aug56 repeat of 3.05 “The Girl from Rome”
[--] 10Aug56 - pre-empted for Football: College All-Stars vs. Cleveland Browns, at Soldiers Field, Chicago.
[--] 17Aug56 - pre-empted for Democratic National Convention
[--] 24Aug56 - repeat of 3.06 “Man Hunt.” [TV Guide]
Note: Instead of “Man Hunt,” The New York Times lists a rerun of 3.04 "The Captive Brain” for 24Aug56 (possibly postponed from 27July56).
[--] 31Aug56 - repeat of 3.07 “The Big Snatch”
[--] 07Sep56 - repeat of 3.08 ”Walk Softly For Murder”
[--] 14Sep56 - repeat of 3.09 “Death Has Three Faces."
[--] 21Sep56 - repeat of 3.10 "The Sally Ankens Story"
############# The Vise / Mark Saber #############
################ end of season 3 ###############
##############################################
Have you any comments, corrections, episode titles, air dates, production numbers, directors, writers, story/synopsis, guest stars, cast lists, etc?
Have you any old videos, or tv guides? Dust them off and let us know if you have any information on this series or any other tv series from the
Golden Age of TV, which is missing from any episode guides on the web. Perhaps a certain episode of a particular series coincided with a key
moment in your life, or in world events - and or has left a vivid memory of when it was shown. Let us know. Would you like to see any other
tv series guides on this site? If so please e-mail The Classic TV Archive - see Feedback below.
This guide may be distributed and copied freely, in its entirety, for personal use. All original author and copyright information must
remain intact. Any sales or other uses of this document are expressly forbidden, without the specific consent of the author(s).
Copyright © The Classic TV Archive. All rights reserved.
Back to "The Vise" (anthology series)(1954-55) hosted by Ron Randell
Forward to "Saber Of London"(detective series) (1957-59) starring Donald Gray