TV series
Hannay is a 1988 spin-off prequel series to the 1978 film adaptation of John Buchan's novel The Thirty-Nine Steps which stars Robert Powell as Richard Hannay, a role which he reprises in the series, an Edwardian mining engineer from Rhodesia of Scottish origin. It features his adventures in pre-World War I Great Britain. These stories had little in common with Buchan's novels about the character, although some names are taken from his other novels.
Availability
Checked Jul 25, 2026
Hannay premiered January 6, 1988. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Hannay is a 1988 spin-off prequel series to the 1978 film adaptation of John Buchan's novel The Thirty-Nine Steps which stars Robert Powell as Richard Hannay, a role which he reprises in the series, an Edwardian mining engineer from Rhodesia of Scottish origin. It features his adventures in pre-World War I Great Britain. These stories had little in common with Buchan's novels about the character, although some names are taken from his other novels.
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Episode 1
When Hannay meets the beautiful Sybil Verney at a race meeting, he cannot foresee the web of lies and tragedy in which he will quickly become ensnared.
Directed by Robert ReedWritten by Richard CarpenterGuest stars Leslie Schofield, Joanna David, Anthony Valentine, Felix Bowness, Peter Sproule
Episode 2
As tension mounts in Europe, the British government prepares antidotes to possible germ warfare, and Hannay finds himself at the centre of a demonic plot to steal them.
Directed by Ken HannamWritten by Michael RobsonGuest stars Alex Kingston, Gavin Richards, Tony O'Callaghan
Episode 3
When Hannay is entrusted with the safekeeping of a dozen diamonds, he underestimates the danger and distress they will bring.
Directed by Henry HerbertWritten by Michael RobsonGuest stars Cathryn Harrison, Conrad Phillips, Bernard Kay, Tom Watson, Denys Hawthorne
Episode 4
The pleasures of travelling on the Trans-European Express from Venice are relished by celebrities, diplomats and vacationers alike, but for Hannay, the journey proves to be a nightmare.
Directed by Henry HerbertWritten by Robin MillerGuest stars Richard O'Callaghan, David Haig, Henri Szeps, Charles Collingwood, Marc Zuber, Rupert Bates, Colin Prockter
Episode 5
On the death of his friend, Pelham Swinburne, Hannay inherits a walking-stick, field glasses and the lighthouse on a Fenland marsh .... but what is he to make of them all?
Directed by Robert ReedWritten by Richard CarpenterGuest stars Martin Clunes, Andrew Woodall, Felix Bowness
Episode 6
When an East-End gang demand protection money for Sal Alford's music-hall, she turns to Hannay for help.
Directed by Ken HannamWritten by Michael RobsonGuest stars Richenda Carey, Richard Pasco
Episode 7
When his goddaughter is jilted on her wedding day, Hannay finds himself searching for not just a missing bridegroom but also a shipment of gold.
Directed by Guy SlaterWritten by Paul WheelerGuest stars Paul Rogers, Jim Dunk, Jill Meager, John Bardon
Episode information updated Jul 26, 2026
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Robert PowellRichard Hannay
Phyllis Logan
Gary Bond
Leslie Schofield
Kevin Stoney
Serena Gordon
ITV1United Kingdom
Thames TelevisionUnited Kingdom