DECADE goes classic 70s and 80s TV THEME TUNES for Saturday Night…#2. THE FLASHING BLADE“You’ve got to fight for what you want, for all that you believe. It’s right to fight for what you want, to live the way we please. As long as we have done our best, and no man can do more. Then life and love and happiness, are well worth fighting for.”Originally made in France in 1967 as four epic 75-minute episodes titled 'Le Chevalier Tempete', THE FLASHING BLADE was broadcast as a dubbed 12-part adventure drama centering around the war between France and Spain. It was shown as part of BBC's children's programming during the 1960s, with several re-runs throughout the 1970s. The programme is particularly remembered for two elements: its anthemic theme tune: FIGHT by The Musketeers (written by Alex Masters), which was issued on a Philips single in 1969; and it's badly dubbed soundtrack, which, when funny, was hilarious!The fictional story was based upon historical events during the War of the Mantuan Succession (1628–1631) between France and Spain and its allies. Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, a supporter of Spain, laid siege to Casale, the capital of Montferrat on the Savoie (Savoy) border. Despite numerous attempts to scale the defences, the beleaguered garrison held out. The Savoy army was eventually defeated by a French relief force on 18 March 1629.The castle of Casale, seen being besieged in the opening credits, was filmed at Château Gaillard in France.Several cast members from The Flashing Blade appeared in similar serialised action productions for French children's TV. Desert Crusader was virtually identical to The Flashing Blade but set in 12th-century Palestine during the Third Crusade. The Aeronauts was set in the present day and featured a couple of daring French Air Force Mirage fighter pilots.——————————————————————Thank you to everyone who has joined DECADE. As many of you know the page is just me, Paul. I write and research the articles, and edit the videos, often reinventing them entirely.It now takes almost an entire day of work to put together content for the page. If you could see fit to make a small donation then I would be eternally grateful.Thank you and best wishes, | Decade 77-87 - a grown up disco: new wave, punk, postpunk, goth & indie