The Sentimental Agent was an ITV spin-off from a Man of the World episode of the same name, in which Carlos Varela, the owner of an import/export trading company in London (Mercury International) could often be found on the global trail of criminals.
6′ 2″ Argentinean-born actor Carlos Thompson, who starred as Varela, had already established himself in Hollywood after being ‘discovered’ by Yvonne de Carlo (The Munsters) before turning his back on a Hollywood lifestyle and moving to Switzerland, where he became one of the Continent’s most sought-after leading men.
Assisting Carlos was his secretary Suzy Carter (Clemence Brittany), the perfect combination of looks and efficiency – and secret service connections.
Light relief was provided by Varela’s valet/cook/chauffeur, Chin (Burt Kwok), who also had an understanding of magic and performed occasionally as an illusionist. Unfortunately, Chin also had a weakness for excessive gambling.
Thompson often had difficulty with his lines (his mastery of English was less than good), forcing the production to introduce a new character – Bill Randall (John Taylor) – in the episode ‘Meet My Son, Henry’. Bill would assist in carrying the storyline in several episodes, thus reducing the time that Thompson appeared on the screen.
In fact, the Argentinean was completely absent from the episodes ‘Finishing School’ and ‘Not Quite Fully Covered’ and Taylor fronted both instalments.
The series was produced at Shepperton Studios for ITC Worldwide. Guest stars included Diana Rigg, Annette Andre, Imogen Hassall, Suzanna Leigh, Sue Lloyd, Dennis Price and Patrick Troughton.
Carlos Varela
Carlos Thompson
Chin
Bert Kwouk Suzy Carter
Clemence Brittany Bill Randall
John Taylor
Episodes
All That Jazz | The Beneficiary | Express Delivery | Never Play Cards With Strangers | May The Saints Preserve Us | Meet My Son, Henry | A Little Sweetness and Light | The Height of Fashion | A Very Desirable Plot | Finishing School | The Scroll of Islam | Not Quite Fully Covered | A Box of Tricks
