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A Change of Bait

by Lewis Davidson

Lemuel Potts finds himself outwitted at every turn by Steed when he attempts to defraud Keel's patient, Archie Duncan. Potts finds himself pocketing the bill for Archie's cargo of rotten bananas. His other scheme to burn down an antique shop and claim the insurance money is also sabotaged by Steed, who extinguishes the flames! Even once under arrest, Steed still tricks him again - this time into revealing his accomplices.

Cast & crew * mug shots in sepia denote images sourced from other productions.

Archie Duncan Victor Platt {regular}{prisoner}{saint} Lemuel Potts John Bailey {regular}{who}{saint}{DS}{adam}{champ} Peter Sampson Henry Soskin {champ}{saint}{regular} Carol Wilson Ingrid Hafner {PS}{regular} John Steed Patrick Macnee {NewAv}{007} Herb Thompson Robert Desmond Nat Fletcher Graham Rigby {who} Dr David Keel Ian Hendry {drake}{NewAv}{PS}{saint}{sweeney}{regular} Barker Gary Hope {regular}{drake}{saint} Andre Arthur Barrett {regular}{saint}{dad} Bryan Stubbs Norman Pitt {regular}{saint}{adam} Ivy Gillian McCutcheon {B7} Charlie Harry Shacklock {regular}{carry} Steed's Helper Michael Hunt {carry}{drake} Male extra ? Female extra ? crew Teleplay by Lewis Davidson {drake}{saint} "The Avengers" Theme composed and played by Johnny Dankworth Designed by James Goddard {sweeney} Producer Leonard White {callan}{PS} Directed by Don Leaver {PS} Production Assistant Barbara Forster Floor Manager Patrick Kennedy Stage Manager Barbara Sykes Lighting Director Peter Kew Operational Supervisor Peter Cazaley Senior Cameraman Mike Baldock Sound Advisor Mike Roberts Vision Mixer Gordon Hesketh

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Alan Hayes has recently released a PDF of a shooting script which has revealed new information about the episode. From it we have learnt the extras and production crew details in italics above, and the details below. You may download the PDF after joining The Avengers Fan Forum - it's in the The Avengers on Television discussion.

This was the 24th episode produced, with rehearsals scheduled for 19th September (11.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m.) and recording to broadcast quality tape (maybe Ampex) on the 20th September, 1961, 6.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m.
This contradicts the generally held view of the schedule, which has it as 25th, as broadcast. It was probably filmed before The Deadly Air.

Filming took place at Studio Two, ABC TV Studios, Broom Road, Teddington, Middlesex; they used 4 cameras, 3 boom microphones and a telecine; running times was 57.35 - 52.55 + 2.05 and 2.35 commercial breaks. The three Acts ran for 18.39, 15.45 and 18.31 respectively.
The cameramen were Mike Baldock on camera 1, supported by (2) David, (3) Brian, (4) Dave (no last names given). The slate number was 3421 - VTR/ABC/1445.

The schedule

Tuesday, 19th September, 1961

Camera Rehearsal	11.00 - 12.30
Lunch Break	12.30 - 13.30
Camera Rehearsal	13.30 - 18.00
Supper Break	18.00 - 19.00
Camera Rehearsal	19.00 - 21.00

Wednesday, 20th September, 1961

Camera Rehearsal	10.00 - 12.30
Lunch Break	12.30 - 13.30
Camera Rehearsal	13.30 - 15.00
Tea-Break, Line Up, Normal Scan and Make-up	15.00 - 15.45
Dress Rehearsal	15.45 - 17.00
Notes	17.00 - 17.30
Line-Up	17.30 - 18.00
AMPEX RECORDING	18.00 - 19.00