The Champions "Nutcracker" #1.27 (1969) (TV)

The Champions Steal Military Secrets, 25 March 2017

The well-respected Lord Mauncey enters a super-secret underground facility and attempts to steal File F. File F contains information on the country's defense systems. When confronted, Lord Mauncey remembers stealing the file, but has no idea why he would do such a thing. The Champions are called in to investigate. If they are able to bypass the elaborate security system and obtain File F, it will prove security isn't tight enough.

When I finish going through all the episodes, I plan to make a list of my five favorites. Nutcracker will be in the running for a place on that list. It's really well done with plenty of action, intrigue, and spy-type stuff. The various locking mechanisms guarding File F are a joy to watch. Richard's scenes as he attempts to get to File F are as suspenseful as any in The Champions. The episode was directed by the very able Roy Ward Baker - another genre director I usually enjoy. The highlight of the supporting cast for me was David Langton of Upstairs Downstairs fame as Lord Mauncey. I'll also add that John Franklyn-Robbins plays a fantastic villainous dentist. The biggest negative I can write about is the lack of anything substantial for Sharon to do in Nutcracker. As is too often the case, she's left on the sideline.

8/10