(Instrumental Masterpiece)
The theme tune is a hauntingly suave composition by John Barry,
noted for its use of the Moog synthesizer and the cimbalom.
The music masterfully transitions between the distinct
backgrounds of the two leads: the gritty, street-smart
origins of Danny Wilde and the aristocratic,
refined upbringing of Lord Brett Sinclair.
Original Opening Sequence
A Symphony of Contrast
The The Persuaders! theme tune is widely regarded as one of the finest television themes ever written. Composed by the legendary John Barry (the man behind the James Bond sound), the track uses a cimbalom—a Hungarian folk instrument—to provide a unique, slightly mysterious texture that set it apart from other action-adventure shows of the early 1970s.
The opening sequence itself is a masterclass in visual storytelling, using the music to score a “split-screen” biography of the two protagonists. While the show was famously expensive to produce—making Tony Curtis and Roger Moore the highest-paid TV actors at the time—it found massive success in Europe and the UK, though it struggled to find an audience in the United States. Despite its single-season run, the theme remains an iconic piece of pop culture history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the two main characters?
The series stars Tony Curtis as Danny Wilde, a self-made American millionaire from the Bronx, and Roger Moore as Lord Brett Sinclair, a British aristocrat.
Why did the show end after only one season?
While the show was a hit in Europe, it suffered from low ratings in the US. Additionally, Roger Moore left the series when he was cast as James Bond in Live and Let Die.
What instrument makes that unique sound in the theme?
The distinct, ringing melody is played on a cimbalom, which John Barry frequently used to add a sense of European intrigue to his scores.
