The Fourth Arm
121983•50m•5.0/10
DramaWar & Politics
Ratings
🎬TMDb
5.0/10(1)
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.
Production
BBC
Language
EN
Status
Ended
First Aired
January 7, 1983
Last Aired
March 25, 1983
Networks
BBC One
Created By
Gerard Glaister, John Brason
Trailers & Videos
Where to Watch
Region US · Lang EN
US
No providers available for this region.
Seasons & Episodes
Select a season to view episodes. Reddit links may contain spoilers.
Season
E1
Part One
Air date: 1983-01-07
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.
E2
Part Two
Air date: 1983-01-14
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.
E3
Part Three
Air date: 1983-01-21
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.
E4
Part Four
Air date: 1983-01-28
Training intensifies with the unit put under extreme interrogation methods to see how they fare. Macaulay's attempted night out becomes a cropper.
E5
Part Five
Air date: 1983-02-04
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.
E6
Part Six
Air date: 1983-02-11
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.
E7
Part Seven
Air date: 1983-02-18
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.
E8
Part Eight
Air date: 1983-02-25
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.
E9
Part Nine
Air date: 1983-03-04
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.
E10
Part Ten
Air date: 1983-03-11
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.
E11
Part Eleven
Air date: 1983-03-18
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.
E12
Part Twelve
Air date: 1983-03-25
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.
Cast
Paul Shelley
Maj. Hugh Gallagher
