3. Robbery

Richard and Sally take a well-earned break in Bratov, "the jewel behind the iron curtain", but it soon becomes apparent that they should've dissuaded Dick from joining them.

Before they can reach the hotel, he's raced off in a taxi chase, convinced someone's taken his bag. They have. But as Dick's bag contains three drip-dry shirts and a week's supply of tea-bags, and theirs contains something quite different, one can assume it's an accident.

Things are looking rather dangerous...

Richard Barton ...... Robert Bathurst
Old Dick Barton ...... Moray Watson
Jock ...... Iain Cuthbertson
Young Dick Barton ...... Julian Dutton
Sally Phillips ...... Matilda Ziegler

With:

Carolyn Jones
Roger Blake
Tim Whitnall

In 1946, Edward J Mason wrote the first episode of Dick Barton - Special Agent.

The BBC Light Programme's hugely popular serial followed the adventures of the ex-Commando and his mates Jock Anderson and Snowy White. Despite facing a series of never-ending cliff-hangers at the hands of dastardly villains, our hero always triumphed. "With one bound Dick was free!".

Half a century later, Edward J's son Lol created Richard Barton, son of Dick, in this affectionate homage to one of BBC Radio's most enduring heroes.

Producer: Jo Clegg

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1998.