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Avengers Gadgets -
The British espionage drama THE AVENGERS/ABC/1966‑69 featured a
number of gimmicks and gadgets that helped make the show
unique.
The Avengers was headed by the suave Jonathan Steed
(Patrick Macnee), who wore three-piece suit and steel‑lined
bowler - a la Odd Job in the James Bond movie Goldfinger
(1964). It came in handy for deflecting bullets and conking
evil‑doers over the noggin.
Steed also carried an umbrella with a
small sword concealed in its handle and traveled about in a
number of beautifully restored automobiles. His choice of firearm was the efficient Walther 7.65
pistol. But usually he chose to subdue his foes with good old
fashion fisticuffs.
Steed's first partner Cathy Gale (Honor Blackman) was adept
with firearms and judo and liked to wear lots of leather.
Assisting Steed was
Emma Peel (Diana Rigg), a slender, athletic, young widow dressed in boots and leather
whose karate-kicking self defense moves got her out of many a
jam. When in need of a firearm she chose the Italian
Beretta 7.65 pistol. Emma drove a powder blue Lotus Elan S2.
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Emma Peel |
Tara King |
When Emma Peel left the services of John Steed, she was
replaced by Tara King (Linda Thorson). Steed later teamed with
agents Purdey (Joanna Lumley) and Mike Gambit (Gareth Hunt).
Both were adept in the arts of self defense and firearm.
Purdey, Steed and Gambit - THE NEW AVENGERS
TRIVIA NOTE: The umbrella as a
delivery device for poisons was common practice in eastern
Europe during the Cold War. The tip of the umbrella was fitted
with small hollowed out metal pellets dipped in poison
(derived from the plant that produces Castor Oil).
The poison
was injected into the body of the unsuspecting victim by
accidentally bumping into the person. After a short apology,
the assassin walked away and let the poison do its worst.
See also ROBOTS:" Cybernauts"
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