''P.R.O.B.E.'' is a series of

direct-to-video Direct-to-video or straight-to-video refers to the release of a film, TV series, short or special to the public immediately on home video formats rather than an initial theatrical release or television premiere. This distribution strategy was p ...

science-fiction films mostly written by

Mark Gatiss Mark Gatiss (; born 17 October 1966) is an English actor, comedian, screenwriter, director, producer and novelist. His work includes writing for and acting in the television series ''Doctor Who'', '' Sherlock'', and '' Dracula''. Together with ...

and produced by

BBV Productions BBV Productions is a UK-based video and audio production company founded in 1991, specialising in science fiction drama. The company has expanded to include publishing of novels and scripts associated with its productions. Origin Company co-foun ...

. It was the first live-action ''

Doctor Who ''Doctor Who'' is a British science fiction television series broadcast by the BBC since 1963. The series depicts the adventures of a Time Lord called the Doctor, an extraterrestrial being who appears to be human. The Doctor explores the u ...

'' spin-off series. The series features

Caroline John Caroline Frances John (19 September 1940 – 5 June 2012) was an English actress. She played classical roles on the stage and also portrayed Elizabeth "Liz" Shaw in the BBC science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', as well as several o ...

Liz Shaw Elizabeth "Liz" Shaw is a fictional character played by Caroline John in the long-running British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'' and its spin-offs. A civilian member of UNIT, an international organisation that defends Earth fro ...

, working for the Preternatural Research Bureau. Many former ''Doctor Who'' actors, including former Doctors

Jon Pertwee John Devon Roland "Jon" Pertwee (; 7 July 1919 – 20 May 1996) was an English actor, comedian, entertainer, cabaret performer and TV presenter. Born into a theatrical family, he served in the Royal Navy and the Naval Intelligence Division during ...

Peter Davison Peter Malcolm Gordon Moffett (born 13 April 1951), known professionally as Peter Davison, is an English actor with many credits in television dramas and sitcoms. He made his television acting debut in 1975 and became famous in 1978 as Tristan ...

Colin Baker Colin Baker (born 8 June 1943) is an English actor who played Paul Merroney in the BBC drama series '' The Brothers'' from 1974 to 1976 and the sixth incarnation of the Doctor in the long-running science fiction television series '' Doctor ...

and

Sylvester McCoy Percy James Patrick Kent-Smith (born 20 August 1943), known professionally as Sylvester McCoy, is a Scottish actor. Gaining prominence as a physical comedian, he became best known for playing the seventh incarnation of the Doctor in the lon ...

, appear in the series playing different roles. (Due to licensing restrictions, no overt reference to The Doctor is permitted.) ''Doctor Who'' alumna

Louise Jameson Louise Jameson (born 20 April 1951) is an English actress with a wide variety of television and theatre credits. Her roles on television have included playing Leela in ''Doctor Who'' (1977–1978), Anne Reynolds in ''The Omega Factor'' (1979), ...

co-stars with Caroline John in the original four films, as Patricia Haggard. Originally released on VHS, the series was not widely available on video. When an interviewer commented to series author Mark Gatiss that he had never seen the series, Gatiss replied "No, and you never will. One, they're not available. And two, I forbid it. Christ, for all I knew, they were the only things I would ever get to make. And I learned a frightening amount from working on them." The four original films were released on DVD on 3 March 2012 exclusive to Galaxy 4 shop with a 12 rating. A fifth film, written and directed by Bill Baggs, was released 20 April 2015 with Hazel Burrows taking over as Liz Shaw. In 2020 the P.R.O.B.E. series was revived by Arcbeatle Press, starting with the release of ''Shadows of Doubt''. Under Arcbeatle Press the series made the transition to the prose format.

''The Zero Imperative'' (1994)

''The Zero Imperative'' was released

in January 1994 by BBV.

Synopsis

Former

UNIT Unit may refer to: Arts and entertainment * UNIT, a fictional military organization in the science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'' * Unit of action, a discrete piece of action (or beat) in a theatrical presentation Music * ''Unit'' (alb ...

luminary

and her assistant Bayliss are investigating a series of bizarre murders, all committed near a soon-to-be-closed psychiatric hospital. When the hospital is unexpectedly reprieved by rich Industrialist Peter Russell events seem to move out of Liz's control. Are the incumbent director of the clinic, Doctor Dove and his predecessor Doctor O'Kane harbouring the killer? What is the centuries-old horror hidden in the grounds? And what exactly is the secret of room zero?

Cast

–

* Patricia Haggard –

* Louise Bayliss –

Linda Lusardi Linda Frances Elide Lusardi (born 18 September 1958) is an English actress, television presenter and former glamour model. Career Modelling Lusardi was born in Wood Green, London to Lilian (née Glassman, b. 1933) and Nello Lusardi (1930–2017 ...

* Dr. Jeremiah O'Kane –

* Dr. Colin Dove –

* Peter Russell –

* Dr. William Bruffin –

* Patient Zero – David Terence * Dr. Beatrice Hearst – Nicola Fulljames * Dr. Gilchrist –

Patricia Merrick Patricia is a female given name of Latin origin. Derived from the Latin word ''patrician'', meaning "noble"; it is the feminine form of the masculine given name Patrick. The name Patricia was the second most common female name in the United State ...

* Cummings –

Jonathan Rigby Jonathan Rigby is an English actor and film historian who has written several books. ''Video Watchdog'' magazine described him as occupying "a proud place in the advance guard of film researchers, writers and critics," and in 2020 he was inducted ...

* P.R.O. –

Sophie Aldred Sophie Aldred (born 20 August 1962) is an English actress and television presenter. She has worked extensively in children's television as a presenter and voice artist. She played the Seventh Doctor's companion, Ace, in the television series ''Do ...

* Orderly – Simon Messingham * Orderly – Alexander Kirk * Orderly - Robert John Preston * Patient One –

* Daniel – Bill Baggs * Boy's Voice – Daniel Mills

Trivia

*This film is occasionally listed as part of BBV's series '' The Stranger'', although it is a standalone production. The only apparent connection besides production company is that Colin Baker stars in both.

''The Devil of Winterborne'' (1995)

''The Devil of Winterborne'' was released

in January 1995 by BBV.

Synopsis

When P.R.O.B.E. are summoned to investigate the savage murder of retired headmaster Mr. Whittaker and his dog, Liz Shaw is disturbed to find evidence of a satanic ritual near the scene of the crime. The trail leads of deceit and corruption extends to the current occupants of nearby Winterborne School, where it appears that someone is determined to cover up an ancient secret – at any cost. With another animal having bit the dust, the current headteacher accused of murdering a pupil, and one of the school's oldest employees having been stabbed with a knife, Liz finds herself under increasing pressure from all sides to produce results, especially with P.R.O.B.E. under threat from within – and the death toll mounting. However, a shocking revelation from headteacher Gavin Purcell reveals that The Devil of Winterborne is at large – and only Liz can stop it.

Cast

* Liz Shaw –

* Patricia Haggard –

* D.I. Burke –

Terry Molloy Terry Molloy (born 4 January 1947) is an English actor. He is known predominantly for his work on radio and television, especially his portrayal of Davros, creator of the Dalek, Daleks, in the BBC television science fiction series ''Doctor Who ...

* Brian Rutherford –

Geoffrey Beevers Geoffrey Beevers (born 15 January 1941) is a British actor who has appeared in many different stage and screen roles. Career Theatre Beevers has worked extensively at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond upon Thames, both as an actor (including ...

* Mr. Wittaker –

* Gavin Purcell –

* Barbara Taploe –

Charmian May Charmian Rosemary May (16 June 1937 – 24 October 2002) was an English character actress best known for her television and film roles. She appeared in the sitcoms '' The Good Life'' and ''Keeping Up Appearances'', and the film ''Bridget Jon ...

* Georgie –

* Christian – Daniel Matthews * Andrew Powell –

Reece Shearsmith Reeson Wayne "Reece" Shearsmith (born 27 August 1969) is an English actor, writer and comedian. He is best known for being a member of ''The League of Gentlemen'', alongside Steve Pemberton, Mark Gatiss, and Jeremy Dyson. With Pemberton, he lat ...

* Luke – Stephen Dolomore * Cummings –

''Unnatural Selection'' (1996)

''Unnatural Selection'' was released

in October 1996 by BBV.

Synopsis

In 1975, the British Government quietly closed down a secret evolutionary project codenamed BEAGLE, ordering the destruction of all research materials. Today, the horrific discovery of several oddly mutated bodies alerts Liz Shaw and P.R.O.B.E. to the fact that something is stalking the original site of project BEAGLE – something which may challenge the very nature of humanity itself! With a crack security team at her disposal, Liz desperately attempts to track down the perverted results of the project. But who or what is hunting whom?

Cast

*Liz Shaw –

*Patricia Haggard –

*Julius Quilter –

Charles Kay Charles Kay (born Charles Piff, 31 August 1930) is an English actor. Early life Kay was born in Coventry, Warwickshire, the son of Frances (née Petty) and Charles Beckingham Piff. Originally educated at Warwick School, Kay went on to study me ...

*Brian Rutherford –

*Soldier – Stephen Bradshaw *Soldier – Keith Brooks *Alfred Emerson –

*Col. Ackroyd – Alexander Kirk *Dr. Gilchrist –

*Soldier – Mark Moore *Security Guard –

George Murphy George Lloyd Murphy (July 4, 1902 – May 3, 1992) was an American dancer, actor, and politician. Murphy was a song-and-dance leading man in many big-budget Hollywood musicals from 1930 to 1952. He was the president of the Screen Actors Guild fro ...

*Soldier – Gabriel Mykaj *Clare – Zoe Randall *Angela – Kathryn Rayner *Cummings –

*Dr. Dennis Lancaster – Simon Wolfe

''Ghosts of Winterborne'' (1996)

''Ghosts of Winterborne'' was released

in November 1996 by BBV.

Synopsis

The Devil of Winterborne has only recently been exorcised by P.R.O.B.E. But when the body of its last victim disappears, and a book of black magic spells is stolen from a local museum, Liz Shaw begins to wonder if the ghosts of the past have really been laid to rest. Forced into an unholy alliance with the school's disgraced headmaster, Liz must fight not only her own warring emotions, but a festering evil that threatens to corrupt the Earth again after 100 years. But how do you fight a shadow from hell?

Cast

*Liz Shaw – Caroline John *Patricia Haggard – Louise Jameson *Gavin Purcell –

*Christian – Daniel Matthews *Margaret Wyndham –

*Andrew Powell –

*Max – David Hankinson *Ian – Nathan Hamlett *Librarian – Alan Nicholas

Story Notes

* The end credits list Mrs. Wyndham's first name as Barbara, rather than her on-screen name of Margaret. However, Mrs. Wyndham's deceased twin sister, Ms. Taploe, was also named Barbara. * Until the release of Zygon: When Being You Just isn't Enough in 2007, this was the only Doctor Who-related product to be given an 18 certificate although in 2012 Ghosts was re-rated 12.

''When to Die'' (2015)

''When to Die'' was released

on 20 April 2015 by BBV.

Synopsis

Liz investigates the government execution of an immortal Corporal who 'no longer has a use'.

Cast

*Liz Shaw - Hazel Burrows *Patricia Haggard - Georgette Ellison *Giles - Bill Baggs *Secretary of State for Defence - Matthew Ellison *Security Guard - Danni Fletcher *Josie Williams - Clare Groome *Receptionist - Kathrina Gwynne *Major Johnson - Neil Gwynne *Charlie Reynish - Ken Hann *Bennett - Marcus Kinsella *Soldier - Ruben Sanchez *Bosnian Diplomat - Brian Stansbridge *Corporal 7891Alpha - Peter Ward

''Shadows of Doubt'' (2020)

''Shadows of Doubt'' was released on

YouTube YouTube is a global online video platform, online video sharing and social media, social media platform headquartered in San Bruno, California. It was launched on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. It is owned by ...

on 28 April 2020 by Arcbeatle Press.

Synopsis

Giles fears for his team in light of the upcoming

perihelion An apsis (; ) is the farthest or nearest point in the orbit of a planetary body about its primary body. For example, the apsides of the Earth are called the aphelion and perihelion. General description There are two apsides in any ellip ...

Cast

*Giles - Bill Baggs

''Case Files'' (2021 - present)

''Case Files'' is a series of video diaries initially released on

under the initial title ''P.R.O.B.E. Online'' starting 22 January 2021 by

, later released exclusively to the BBV Productions website.

Episodes

Presented as ''Case File'' video-diary entries by main character Giles, often including illustrations and references to various ''Doctor Who''-related media. On 16 April 2021, episodes became available on the official BBV website & on

DVD The DVD (common abbreviation for Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc) is a digital optical disc data storage format. It was invented and developed in 1995 and first released on November 1, 1996, in Japan. The medium can store any kin ...

10 June 2021. This lists ordered per the DVD releases.

Volume 1

Out of the Shadows

Volume 2

Volume 3

Cast

* Giles - Bill Baggs * Liz Shaw - Hazel Burrows * Sir Andrew Williams -

Simon Fisher-Becker Simon Fisher-Becker is a British stage, television and film actor, specialising in comedy and character parts. His more notable roles include Tony Fazackerley in ''Puppy Love'' for the BBC, The Fat Friar in the ''Harry Potter'' film ''Harry P ...

Crew

*Written by James Hornby & Bill Baggs *Script Editor: Lucy Wood-Ives & James Hornby *Art by Warren Lewis & James Lee *PROBE Theme:

Mark Ayres Mark Ayres is an electronic musician, composer and audio engineer. Ayres studied music and electronics at Keele University. He also worked as a sound engineer at TV-am between 1982 and 1987. As a television composer, he became known for providi ...

*PROBE Logo: Lucas Kovacs *Editing/ Post-Production: Bill Baggs & Callum Brown

Audiobooks (2021 - present)

P.R.O.B.E. Audiobooks are a series of narrated short stories released on the BBV Productions website.

Short Stories

Short prose stories published by Arcbeatle Press * "The Door We Forgot" (by James Hornby and James Wylder, 5 May 2020) * "She Came From Another World!" (by James Wylder, 8 August 2020)

Anthologies

* ''Out of the Shadows'' (ed James Hornby & Genevieve Clovis, 12 October 2021) ** "Prologue" (James Wylder) ** "Preternatural Days" (James Hornby) ** "There, but Not Seen" (Kylie Leane) ** "The 262" (Stuart Douglas) ** "How To Appear Human In Several Uneasy Lessons" (John Peel) ** "A Honeycomb of Souls" (James Wylder) ** "The Last Few Pages" (Hunter O'Connell) ** "The One That Got Away" (Steve Lyons) ** "The Forest in the Fog" (E Southern) ** "Nowhere Women" (James Wylder) ** "What Lurks in the Shadows" (James Hornby) ** "Out of the Box" (Aristide Twain) ** "Preternatural Nights" (James Hornby) * ''True Origins'' (ed James Hornby & Jame Wyler, 8 January 2022) ** "Silver-Tongued Liars" (James Wylder) ** "A Worthy Successor" (James Hornby & James Wylder) ** "She Came From Another World!" (James Wylder) ** "9 to 5" (James Hornby) ** "What Happened in Manchester" (James Hornby) ** "The Door We Forgot" (James Wylder) ** "Broken Bonds" (James Hornby) ** "The Blue Scream of Death" (Tyche McPhee Letts)

References

External links

* {{Doctor Who independent spinoffs Bill & Ben Video 1990s fantasy films 1990s science fiction films British science fiction films Direct-to-video film series Film spin-offs UNIT stories Works by Mark Gatiss 1990s English-language films