Raffles

1977 • Drama

Raffles was a 1977 television adaptation of the A. J. Raffles stories by Ernest William Hornung. The series was produced by Yorkshire Television and written by Philip Mackie. The episodes were largely faithful adaptations of the stories in the books, though occasionally two stories would be merged to create one episode such as "The Gold Cup" which featured elements from both "A Jubilee Present" and "The Criminologist's Club".

Step into the thrilling world of the original Raffles stories, where every word is crafted by E. W. Hornung to bring alive the charismatic gentleman thief, A.J. Raffles. Rather than watching the screen adaptation, immerse yourself in the elegant prose and intricate plots of Hornung's novels. Raffles and Bunny pursue their discreet art of burglary with daring escapades that are both morally nuanced and improbable bedazzlements. Within the pages of 'The Amateur Cracksman', 'The Black Mask', 'A Thief in the Night', and 'Mr. Justice Raffles', you will experience the tension and adventure as intended by Hornung himself. Discover the cunning intellect of Raffles, his reflections on justice and society, and the loyal companionship of his friend Bunny, whose narrative voice provides a vivid window into their capers. The books offer a richness of detail and a depth of character far beyond what a television screen can depict. By choosing the novels over the series, you will engage with the original vision of Hornung's stories, appreciating not only the thrilling plots but also the satirical undertones and the witty, gentlemanly repartee that characterizes Raffles’ world. Let the evocative descriptions and the psychological nuances captivate your imagination, offering a timeless entry into the fin-de-siècle London underworld.