This ATV drama series revolved around the four titular brothers – Sir Robert Sullavan QC (Hugh Manning), Paul (Anthony Bate) John (Tenniel Evans) and Patrick (David Summer) who all worked in a legal firm founded by their father.
Their father had instilled in the brothers a passionate love of justice and a willingness to help the underdog. The name “Sullavan” subsequently became famous for defending the underprivileged and the poor, and Sir Robert was one of the most famous barristers in the country.
Impatient of incompetence or injustice (or the minor irritations of ordinary life), he stormed through his days mentally and almost physically brushing people aside. Yet beneath his extrovert and dynamic personality was a shrewd legal brain and the same passion for justice which distinguished all the brothers.
Paul was the organiser and administrator – a realist whose sound, good sense and clear thinking held the family business together. Mary Kenton played Paul’s wife, Beth.
John was the idealist among the brothers – a man of passionate opinions and strong beliefs. Well-read, intelligent and cultured, he was a member of various organisations concerned with the liberty of the individual and social progress. He had been a fighter pilot in the war, where he was shot down and lost his sight. He managed his blindness as he did everything else – without self-pity or complaint.
The youngest brother, Patrick, had a succession of girlfriends and lived a happy-go-lucky personal life. He was the very opposite of the conventional picture of a solicitor. Handsome and tough, he was very useful with his fists, but underneath a rather breezy exterior, he had a keen intelligence.
The series was created by Ted Willis (Lord Willis of Chislehurst) and produced by Jack Williams. Writers included Alexander Baron, Julian Bond, Bruce Stewart, Norman Crisp and Nicholas Palmer.
Much of the series was filmed in and around the Temple area of London.
Paul Sullavan
Anthony Bate
John Sullavan
Tenniel Evans
Patrick Sullavan
David Summer
Sir Robert Sullavan QC
Hugh Manning
Beth Sullavan
Mary Kenton
You May Also Like
Out Of This World 1 9 8 7 - 1 9 9 1 (USA) 96 x 30 minute episodes A young…
Mike Hammer 1 9 8 4 - 1 9 8 6 (USA) 1 x 120 minute episode 46 x…
