Let's be realistic.

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

I have to agree with the other punters here. Richard Bradford had the part of McGill to perfection. Sallow, understated, and with a cynical edge; he was a man made weary by human fallibility and weakness, yet doomed to make a living from it nonetheless. His hair seemed prematurely grey for his age, and its curiously coiffured mop looked suspiciously like a toupee. Though I'm sure it was genuine.Often he mediated between victims and victimisers, using his cunning and thinly-veiled contempt to get the best deal he could, when as often as not he got a beating instead - and a very realistic one at that.He lived in a suitcase, was available for hire anywhere anytime. He charged a standard rate no matter what; I believe it was $200 dollars a day plus expenses, which many baulked at but they could take it or leave it. Inevitably he made girlfriends and abandoned them just as readily. Each episode was gritty, terse, and usually had an unexpected turn. And as they were mostly set in London, rather at variance to his nationality, they were an excellent window on swinging '60's style and attitude.Streets ahead in credibility than any equivalent like 'The Saint', I'm absolutely amazed that Bradford didn't command a greater screen presence. Rather like Ed Bishop; he had all the right ingredients of good looks, acting skill, and charisma in spades, yet we hardly ever saw him. The new James Bond seems to have just caught up.There was a very catchy jazz theme music as well, like that of The Avengers' or 'The Prisoner'. I hope the DVD's are as good as I remember the programmes to be. Highly recommended if so.

Richard Bradford plays this role absolutely on the nail. It sets a standard that can only have been copied in the Prisoner, Callan, the Professionals, The Avengers ..... The list would go on, right through to Bond and Vin Diesel. An understated and genuine creation that has set the scene for years after. Any actor who now wants to play the disenfranchised but preeminent secret agent has to watch this or fail dismally.The production is carried by Bradford's acting and presence, but it has to be acknowledged, he has the medium of inspired writers who are clearly "under the cosh" to deliver tight, cogent and robust scripts. Mcgill, and I suspect Bradford as well, would have hated the internet and the modern film industry as a communications medium, given its requirement for many words where one short meaningful statement would do - Ernest Hemingway - you're not forgotten. One statement to sum it up? - Great intelligent, high integrity production.

"Man in a Suitcase" is easily one of the best series from the 60s. McGill, the antihero, played brilliantly by Richard Bradford is a disgraced American Intelligence type who hires out to do complex private eye work.The writing (and Bradford's acting) was top-notch and the supporting cast was always excellent. It was the first series to be both 'gritty' and 'believable,' in the sense that McGill didn't always win, and if he got cold-cocked, he usually stayed down. :-) Definitely worth a look.My favorite episode (going on memory here): a 2-parter called "In Pursuit of a Million Bucks." The title says it all.gadfly132

I first saw "Man in a suitcase" in 1967-I loved it then and still do.This is one of the A.T.V."action" series of the 60's,but it differs from the likes of "The Saint" or "The Baron",in the cynical edge to the plots and the vulnerability of the hero.Richard Bradford as "McGill"(no first name!),was simply the coolest TV detective ever.He looked great(in fab "pre hippy era 60's" suits,with narrow lapels and thin ties),was as tough as nails,moody and unpredictable,and acted like Brando playing Peter Gunn-oh,and made smoking a cigarette into an art form.One amazing thing is he didn't always win either,and when he did he might well come out of things half beaten to death,many of the endings of episodes were pretty downbeat.The producers did make one ghastly mistake though-a guy like McGill should never have driven a car as totally uncool as a Hillman Imp!Best episode for me-"Brainwash".This show is a strong candidate for the best ever theme tune and titles.