Anne FrancisHoney West: The Complete Series

Anne Francis as Honey West had some of that old James Bond panache; and it would seem intentionally so since 1965 is the year after the third James Bond film (Goldfinger) was released (tidbit: Honor ‘Pussy Galore’ Blackmon was offered Honey West role first).Honey West grabbed my attention early on (Snowman episode) with a realistic, no back projection car chase scene with wind blowing blonde, Anne Francis hair as real as the close up of Anne-Honey driving her sporty convertible (too bad not more real driving car chase scenes like this one but one is better than none).Honey plays and works well with Sam Bolt (John Ericson); and Honey’s Aunt (Irene Hervey) gets to play with some good humor lines too. The ocelot, Bruce, is well cast as Honeys beautiful, sometimes, feisty pet.The good episodes definitely outweigh the mediocre (the captured again — like Bond—but never fear, rescue or escape is inevitable becomes, well, too often just too inevitable…) but Anne Francis in the prime of 34 yrs old is practically priceless in her attraction and charm, while the stunt double work—while not perfect—does border on body double seamless.Its very easy to watch 4-5 of these 24 minute episodes in a row.It’s kind of humorous that Sam Bolt’s stakeout-communication vehicle is a fake tv repair company van. Is it smart to have Bolt name on tv repair van?🤔It’s fun to see the garter ripped from Honey's thigh makes for a gas mask in a pinch.Their sun glasses send out an electronic signal, when needed.Oh, there’s a moment late in the series when I thought ‘shark jump’ episode: episode so cheap a man in a gorilla suit is supposed to really be a gorilla. No sooner was I rolling my eyes in I can’t believe the shows creative team (led by Aaron Spelling) was that lame the powers that be turned around with a knowing, clever-episode (wink) with Honey and Sam hired as stunt(men) for a tv show—with a disgusted Sam Bolt dressed in a bear 🐻 costume! Checkout John Ericson’s stomping tantrum at end of action skit! Can’t explain it better; it just made me laugh at what seemed to me a tongue-in-cheek, it’s-a-cheap tv show joke.Some good character actors pop up: James Best, Leon Askin (General Burkhalter on Hogan’s Heroes); a very familiar face John McGiver plays a leering guest star on How Brillig O Beamish Boy(?) who gets the ‘this is fun’ being the bad guy joke; a young and large Richard Kiel (‘Jaws’ in James Bond’s Moonraker) plays a leg breaker; Nehemiah Persoff hams-it-up in Omens, Visions, and All That Jazz; and in a very humorous doppelgänger episode Anne Francis plays 2 parts (which inspires Elizabeth Montgomery’s ‘cousin Serena’ character on Bewitched a year or two later …?) with, also, a good to put a face to Fred Flintstone voice actor Allan Reed.Didn’t think I’d be giving Honey West better than a 4 star review. But, how was I to know just how classy, hip, fun, fashionable and beautifully delightful a flirt Honey West—undercover or in a hot bubble bath—would be on the eyes.4.4 starsHoney West does more with fun for the 60s than Charlie’s Angels (for one girls kicking some butt example) was ever able to muster for the 70s. That is saying something since just seeing Cheryl Ladd in a bikini once a week was breathtaking.Honey West a much better show than the Angels ever was with or without Farrah Fawcett (Majors). Why Honey lasted only 30 episodes I have no idea but at least they’re here on DVD.Extras are commercials from the 1960s. Cigarette commercials are an inappropriate treat. My how times have changed. I would recommend checking this out. Honey West, that is. Not the smokes.

This show reminds me quite a bit of the Avengers series, but with the male seemingly more subordinate, yet he always gripes at Honey quite a bit. I have never seen this show before, but had heard about it. A lot of people will tell you this is a women's lib show, or simply cheesecake. I have seen only half the episodes so far, and I must say while those aspects are the most recognizable of the show, once you watch a bunch of episodes those factors really fad quite a bit.The show reminds me of the Avengers in that there's lots of clever quips, often by Honey herself, and it's cute them having little diversions such as Honey's cat, and at times where one scene will end with the last word missing, but continued in a completely different scene, by somebody else, supplying that last word. It gives just a miniscule taste that some minds are thinking alike and adds some humor.To me, this show is more or less The Avengers on speed. They don't have a lot of time to get those plots in there, but it seems to work well, because once you get used to such a pace, you realize that all the key points in many Avengers episodes seem covered, only more quickly, and so since both heroes are rather fast paced it agrees with faster plots.I do rather like the running joke seen in many episodes, where Sam is watching out for Honey (whom often goes in where angels fear to tread) yet he so frequently gets himself bashed in the head. Somehow those crooks are pretty keen to Sam's whereabouts. I also enjoy the fact that Honey isn't just Kato in a skirt, but is often quite feminine, and it's enjoyable to see how the two play off each other when Honey entertains somebody and Sam gets jealous.If I had been an adult when this show were aired, I probably wouldn't had liked it, as I think a lot of men of the day would had seen it as somewhat threatening with the partial role reversal and it perhaps running with trying to be an arm of women's lib. But, if you watch the show, especially in this day and age, it doesn't come across preachy on those particular aspects at all. It's just a story about a girl with extraordinary abilities teamed with a fairly ordinary guy.I can't find any flaws on the quality of the video itself, but it is a fairly dark series at times. Wow, wouldn't it had been a scream, in years following this series, to see a new Honey West with her and Mike Hammer? I suppose nobody ever wrote a book like that, nor would had been able to, but talk about an action packed ride that would had been for a tv series!So overall I would say this is an entertaining series. It's a series that gets better as you watch it more, because you get more used to their style of humor, plus you start anticipating some of the same stunts, such as Sam getting his head bashed in yet another time. The sad thing is you have only one season's worth before they go away forever. BTW, I love the music on this series, especially the end credits. The music and the video in the opening theme, tell you right away what to expect from this series, and that's speed and adventure.

What a fun series. Too bad it didn't last for more seasons.I never saw this show when it was originally on TV, when I was a young child but I heard about it from other people and thought I'd give it a try.Anne Francis is just wonderful throughout, especially when she is throwing around the bad guys, sometimes in heels and an evening gown!! You go girl.Stories remind me of "Get Smart" from the same era (another fun show) but less comic.Honey and her handsome partner have all sorts of gadgets they use, in their detective work.And of course, Bruce the BIG cat, adds a touch of class too. Excellent supporting cast and many famous guest stars.Includes some vintage tv commercials and photos of the stars.Clothes by Nolan Miller and Botany 500 so great to see some beautifully made "mod threads" on both stars.Picture and sound quality are OK, especially considering the age of these films.Glad I gave this one a try. 😁

Decent detective show that featured Anne Francis as Honey West. This was the first series with a female lead playing a detective on TV, and while the cast was good the series did not have the same impact as it's predecessor Burke's Law.

It's been a long time coming but I finally have this series. Unfortunately, the show only lasted for one season. However, I enjoyed most of the episodes. I was only a kid (6 or 7) when the show premiered, but I still remember I enjoyed watching the action packed episodes.At the time, The Avengers was on the air as well, and I think this show was trying to compete with it, having a female lead.Anyway, 50 some odd years later, my opinion has not changed in regards to the show. I loved watching the series, clear black & white (remastered, of course) picture. The sound was mono, but that was fine with me. Of course, it was quite dated, but do you expect?As for special features, you get to watch the old "vintage commercials" from 1965, which comes which each disc.All in all, a good purchase.

HONEY WEST only lasted one season in the mid-sixties, but endured for some time later in re-runs. Considered a little edgy in its day, viewers now would see it as a product of its time. While borrowing elements of the 11 books from which the character originated, it was but a watered down version of those hard-boiled detective dime store novels. Having read three of the books, I can say some of the violence and mature subject matter would not have flown in those days. What is carried over is the snappy dialogue, strong female characterisation in Honey and slightly offbeat nature of the characters she encounters. The series started out being a pretty straight-forward detective piece, but later episodes swung off more into genre with giant robots and the like. One suspects the producers were watching The Avengers at the time and thought Honey West could work as an American version of that classic British show. It doesn't, but that is no reason not to take a look at this chestnut from another era. Why no one has returned to this character for new movies or a series more representative of the books today is a mystery in itself. If only to pay respect to the beautiful Anne Francis, who carried the series with style and a perfect balance of toughness and sensuality, it would be worth the effort.

Presented for the first time on DVD format from VCI Entertainment "Honey West" includes all 30 episodes remastered in glorious Black & White. Either the prints used for this DVD release were in great condition to start or VCI thoroughly cleaned them up because this show looks spectacular! The video image is crisp and clean and the sound is terrific. This incredible 4 single sided disc set with amazing artwork and solid packaging is a must for any "Honey West" fan new or old. Nothings Sweeter than Honey!In the early 1960's British audiences were treated to Cathy Gale (Honor Blackman) the beautiful female co-star of the Avengers TV series in Britain. In 1965 just about the same time as Mrs. Emma Peel was introduced into U.S households the beautiful "Honey West" (Anne Francis) made her mark as one of televisions first female action / adventure stars in a lead role. The "Honey West" character was first introduced in an Episode of "Burke's Law" called "Who Killed the Jackpot?" where honey outwitted her male counterpart played by Gene Barry proving that she could be as good as any male detective.Premiering in the fall of 1965 "Honey West" was given her own 30 minute television series from producer Aaron Spelling, sadly this show only lasted 30 episodes. Anne Francis was the perfect choice for the "Honey West" character she was beautiful, seductive, glamorous and everything her British counterpart Emma Peel was. In an era of television when women stayed mostly in the background or took lesser roles Anne Francis was a pioneer and she paved the way for many actresses who followed."Honey West" following in the footsteps of her late father a top notch investigator in his own right, inherited his private eye firm as well as his old partner Sam Bolt. Even tough the sexual tension between the new partners was evident throughout the series Honey's first and only true love was the thrill of the chase and no man could equal that.No stranger to hand to hand combat "Honey West" wasn't afraid to mix it up from time to time to get the job done. She was an expert at judo and she also held a black belt in karate. Honey also owned an arsenal of weapons filled with cool James Bond like gadgets guaranteed to get results. These neat gadgets included an exploding compact, a garter belt gas mask, teargas earrings and a lipstick microphone, talk about a woman who was "Dressed to kill". "Honey West" was a fantastic half hour show that definitely paved the way for shows like Charlie's Angels, Policewoman, Cagney and Lacey and countless others.DVD Features Include:-Anne Francis Photo Gallery-Behind the Scenes Photo gallery-Episode selection-Vintage CommercialsDVD Episodes Include:The Swingin Mrs. Jones / The Owl and the Eye / The Abominable Snowman / A Matter of Wife and Death / Live a Little Kill a Little / Whatever Lola Wants / The Princess and the Paupers / In the Bag / The Flame and the Pussycat / A Neat Little Package / A Stitch in Crime / A Million Bucks in Anybody's Language / The Gray Lady / Invitation to Limbo / Rockabye the Hard Way / A Nice Little Till to Tap / How Brillig, O, Beamish Boy? / King of the Mountain / Its Earlier than You Think / The Perfect Un-crime / Like Visions and Omens and All That Jazz / Don't Look Now, But Isn't That Me? / Come to Me, My Litigation Baby / Slay, Gypsy, Slay / The Fun-Fun Killer / Pop Goes the Easel / Little Green Robin Hood / Just the Bear Facts Ma'am / There's a Long, Long Fuse A' Burning / An Eerie, Airy, Thing