Back to TV Shows
The Fourth Arm
Overview
Starring Paul Shelley in a role reminiscent of his Secret Army character in all but name, this 12-part serial follows a team of secret agents parachuted into occupied Europe during World War II, exploring their recruitment, training, and first mission behind enemy lines.
Status
Ended
Created By
Gerard Glaister, John Brason
Network
BBC One
Seasons & Episodes
Series 1
Episodes
Part One
The French Resistance spot a new German weapons base being developed near Calais. Their sabotage attempt goes badly wrong while a Bomber Command mission also proved unsuccessful. SOE decide this needs a trained unit.
Part Two
Returning from France, Gallagher begins to compile a team of specialists to train for a one-off mission behind enemy lines. Not everybody is convinced that some can be trusted to follow orders.
Part Three
Gallagher hands over his new unit to Lt. Col. Squires to begin their training. Scientist Stephen Lovell might be the most vital person on the mission but the army intend to play hardball with him.
Part Four
Training intensifies with the unit put under extreme interrogation methods to see how they fare. Macaulay's attempted night out becomes a cropper.
Part Five
The date of the mission is pushed forward when SOE receives new intelligence that the Germans could have up to 14,000 rockets. Final selection is held before paratroop training begins in earnest.
Part Six
Macaulay's position is in doubt when he struggles to overcome his fear on his first parachute. Rohr is informed that she will go into France as reconnaissance before the main group.
Part Seven
Following a nighttime jump, the unit rendezvous at Pierre de Grouchy's farmhouse. Meanwhile, Gallagher discovers a traitor in the Resistance while former nightclub singer Simone could be recognised.
Part Eight
After a successful first mission, the unit get debriefed; McKenzie is carpeted for his actions while Gallagher has to inform Simone's mother of her tragic death. Tightrope walker Soltysyk 'Warsaw' is recruited.
Part Nine
Gallagher wants to be relieved of duty due to attrition rates among the recruits. Lovell starts playing up, causing friction within the group. Meanwhile, Merle and Ferdy start planning a future together if they survive.
Part Ten
The unit has now been reduced to six specialists who will participate in the raid. Lovell is determined to quit but no replacement can be found. His superior Professor Evans is brought in to help change his mind.
Part Eleven
The unit enters France and discover, from Pierre, that the invasion is a mere two days away. The group head to the German rocket base in Deauville. An RAF bomber raid causes the power to go out, allowing the unit to get in.
Part Twelve
The unit have reached the heart of the rocket site. The German kommandant has been made aware that at least three men are on the premises. The group find the documents and plant their bomb but have just sixteen minutes to escape.
Top Cast
Paul Shelley
Maj. Hugh Gallagher
