Pretenders

5.0

1972

Pretenders was a 13 episode British television series produced by Harlech Television in the UK in February 1972 on ITV. Pretenders was filmed in Somerset, England and Wales. The 13-part historical adventure series with a factual background starring Frederick Jaeger as a German mercenary who assists Elam, a boy who believes he is the illegitimate son of The Duke Of Monmouth, who in turn is the illegitimate son of Charles ll, and therefore claims to be rightful heir to the throne. The series followed their various adventures, leading up to the climactic battle of Sedgemoor, the last battle on English soil.

Seasons

13 Episodes • Premiered 1972

In England in 1685, two children are caught up in the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion against King James II.

1. Rebellion

The Protestant Duke of Monmouth has landed in Dorset, determined to raise an army and wrest the throne from his Catholic uncle, James II.

2. Not a Live Thing Left

Elam sets off with his sister, Perfect, to find their father and avoid the conflicts and passions of the Monmouth rebellion.

3. Escape!

Joachim, Elam and Perfect are held by Royalist soldiers on the march. When they make camp, the children plan to free Joachim. Encountering two of Monmouth's men who wish to desert, Elam tries to inspire them to fight on.

4. In Safe Keeping

The children seek refuge from the Royalists with Alice, an innkeeper in a village that supports the rebel cause - but danger stalks in the form of a merchant who plans to kidnap the children and hold them to ransom.

5. The Players to the Rescue

Elam and Perfect are still locked in the hovel while Bailey and Carrity wait for a chance to hand them to the Royalists. However, Joachim meets the travelling Players and together they arrive in the village, where innkeeper Alice has discovered Bailey's plot.

6. Shipwreck

Still trying to reaching the Duke, Joachim, Elam and Perfect board a boat for a trip along the Bristol Channel to Bridgewater. Both the boatman and the weather turn against them.

7. The Paymaster

Elam, Perfect and Joachim finally make it to Somerset but Joachim is arrested by the King's Dragoons when he is caught trying to steal some food.

8. Prince of Avalon

Young Elam's claim to royal blood seems to be recognised when he is greeted as a prince on the road to Glastonbury - but it is only by a scheming merchant who plans to use the lad to gain favour with Monmouth.

9. Into Battle

The battle to decide the fate of the throne is imminent: the King's army camps on Sedgemoor while Monmouth plans a surprise attack. Meanwhile, Elam and Perfect decide to follow the assorted rebel forces as they march from Bridgewater.

10. The Last Battle

The rival forces come together at last on Sedgemoor in a battle which will determine the future of the English crown once and for all.

11. The Eye of the Drum

After their disastrous rout at Sedgemoor, the battered remnants of Monmouth's rebels are forced to flee the wrath of the victorious Royalists. Elam and Perfect must not only save themselves but try to rescue the captured Joachim.