Maigret (1960)
The definitive BBC adaptation of Georges Simenon's beloved detective novels, bringing Inspector Maigret to life through Rupert Davies's landmark performance.
Maigret - Series Information
- Original Title: Maigret
- First Air Year: 1960
- Last Air Year: 1963
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 52
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 31, 1960 (United States - TV-PG), October 31, 1960 (United Kingdom - 12)
- Networks: BBC One
- Alternative Titles: Комиссар Мегрэ (RU)
- Production Companies: BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Maigret - Plot
BBC series based on the novels by Georges Simenon which starred Rupert Davies as Inspector Maigret, a French police detective who preferred to watch and listen in order to solve crimes. The series ran from 1960-63 on British television.
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Maigret - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Rupert Davies
- Ewen Solon
- Henry Oscar
- Helen Shingler
- Neville Jason
- Victor Lucas
- Bruno Barnabe
- Noel Howlett
- Michael Golden
- Stratford Johns
Writers
- Georges Simenon
- Giles Cooper
- Margot Bennett
- Roger Burford
- Donald Bull
Executive Producers
- Bill Luckwell
- Andrew Osborn
Maigret - FAQs
Where can you stream Maigret online?
Maigret is available to stream via MZ Choice Amazon Channel and MHz Choice. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. Availability may vary by region, so checking JustWatch is a great way to find the best option near you.
Is Maigret based on a true story?
Maigret is not based on a true story, but on the fictional detective novels written by Belgian author Georges Simenon. Simenon created Inspector Maigret in 1931, and the character went on to appear in 75 novels and 28 short stories, becoming one of crime fiction's most enduring figures.
Who plays Inspector Maigret in the BBC series?
Rupert Davies plays Chief Inspector Maigret in this BBC adaptation. His portrayal became so iconic that Georges Simenon himself reportedly praised Davies as the definitive screen Maigret. The supporting cast includes Ewen Solon as Lucas and Helen Shingler as Madame Maigret.
How many seasons and episodes does Maigret have?
The BBC series ran for four seasons between 1960 and 1963, with each season comprising 13 episodes, bringing the total to 52 episodes. Each instalment runs approximately 50 minutes, offering a satisfying self-contained mystery in the tradition of Simenon's original novels.
Did Rupert Davies win awards for playing Maigret?
Rupert Davies received significant recognition for his portrayal of Maigret, winning the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in 1961. His performance was widely celebrated by critics and audiences alike, and it cemented his place in British television history as the quintessential Maigret.
What is the BBC Maigret series about?
The series follows Chief Inspector Maigret of the Paris police, a quietly observant detective who solves crimes through patience, intuition, and a deep understanding of human nature rather than dramatic action. Each episode adapts a case from Simenon's novels, blending atmospheric storytelling with psychological depth.
What shows are similar to Maigret?
Fans of Maigret often enjoy other classic detective dramas such as Agatha Christie's Poirot, Inspector Morse, and Dalgliesh, which share a similar emphasis on thoughtful, character-driven investigation. For something more contemporary, Wallander and Lupin offer compelling European crime storytelling in a similar spirit.
Who composed the music for the BBC Maigret?
The memorable theme music for the BBC Maigret series was composed by Ron Grainer, the acclaimed British-Australian composer also known for his iconic themes for Doctor Who and The Prisoner. Grainer's atmospheric score became closely associated with the character and the series' moody, Parisian tone.
More About Maigret
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