Michael J Bird created for YTV The Winning Streak. (1985) It was a six part series about the fortunes and conflicting loyalties in a wealthy Yorkshire family. The action took place against a background of Rally Driving and the family's Motor Business.
Devised by - Michael J. BirdProducer - Michael RussellExecutive Producer - Michael GlynnYTV 6 (52 minute) episodes 16 September 1985 - 21 October 1985
The introductory feature in TV Times set the scene ..."The backbone of the family is Bernard Savage (played by Leslie Sands), who started Savage Motors in the Forties and built it into a thriving family business. His wife Frances (Dinah Sheridan) has been a tower of strength and is destined to play a vital role in the firm's future.Their two sons are ambitious and dedicated, but very different from each other. Paul (Shaun Scott) the eldest is, like his father, a tough and determined businessman, eager to take over the running Savage Motors. His much-neglected wife, Ruth (Laura Davenport), is becoming increasingly bored. What lies in store for them?The younger brother, David (Benedick Blythe), is obsessed with becoming a champion rally driver and is inclined to put his sporting activities before the demands of his job. His girlfriend, Carol Dayton (Shelagh Mcleod), a disc jockey with a local radio station, supports him personally and professionally on the air. Ronnie Coates (William MacBain) is David's long suffering co-driver.David's arch rival is Frank McShane (Michael Cashman), who is as ruthlessly determined to hang on to his rallying crown as he is to keep the love of his sometimes fickle-hearted lady, Barbara Brookes (Jane Morant). This calculating lady has no scruples about using people to gain success."
Episode 4"Trial Run" (7.10.85)Written by Michael RussellEpisode 5"Unexpected Legacy" (14.10.85)Written by Michael RussellEpisode 6"No Mistakes" (21.10.85)Written by Eric Wendell
Episode 1"Local Hero" (16.9.85) Written by Michael RussellEpisode 2"Hollow Victory" (23.9.85)Written by Michael RussellEpisode 3"Hot Prospects" (30.9.85)Written by Tim Vaughan
Cast
Frances Savage(DINAH SHERIDAN)
Bernard Savage(LESLIE SANDS)
Paul Savage(SHAUN SCOTT)
David Savage(BENEDICK BLYTHE)
Ruth Savage(LAURA DAVENPORT)
Ternco Oils Metro 6R4 with in-car camera fiited
Ternco Oils Metro at scrutineering while drawing a crowd around it
Video / DVD
Well, for those of you that remembered the series first time round you will be wanting to know if there are copies of the series available. The answer is yes, A copy of The Winning Streak was taken from Michael Bird's own video recording made when the series was broadcast back in 1985. The tapes have been transferred to a 'region free' DVD - two episodes each on three disks - and they reproduce very well. If you are interested in a copy of the series then please email me where I will pass your details on and arrangements can be made.
Carol Dayton (Shelagh McLeod) from Radio Wharfe, and also David Savage (Benedick Blythe) girlfriend interviews him and his co-driver Ronnie Coates (William MacBain)
David's arch rival is Frank McShane played by Michael Cashman who is determined to keep hold of his rallying crown.In the other picture inset is Barbara Brookes (Jane Morant) who is not only McShane's girlfriend, but gives David Savage some personal servicing too.
This could not of been done if it wasn't for the help and permission of David Rice of MJ Bird.org.uk who I am very greatful too for not only allowing this to be reproduced, but for making the site of Michael J Bird and highlighting what must be now a cult programme among us rally and Metro 6R4 fans. Thankyou David.
The theme for the series, written by Alan Hawkshaw, was released on a single record.
TV Times launch of the Winning Streak dated 14-20 September 1985
Scalextric produced a model of the MG Metro 6R4 rally car featured in the show, painted in the fictitious "Ternco Oils" livery. Apparently only 400 were produced so the model has become something of a collector's item.
Uknown photographer, picture sourced from the internet
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