Gideon of Scotland Yard

Commander George Gideon of London's Scotland Yard is a fictional policeman created by John Creasey under the pseudonym J.J. Marric. He appeared in the first of 26 police procedural novels by Creasey, Gideon's Day, in 1955.

The character

Gideon, G.G. or Gee-Gee to coppers and crooks alike, is powerfully built but has a gentle voice. He has pale-blue eyes. He is famed for his prodigious feats of memory and his ability to handle a bewildering work-load of cases simultaneously. Despite his seniority in rank, Gideon often takes a hands-on approach and on occasions physically engages with criminals. He is universally loved and respected by his staff - but they know to avoid him when his temper is aroused.

Family

He is married to Kate. When we first meet Gideon, this relationship is strained by the relatively recent loss of a child - but the Gideons' marriage survives. George and Kate have six surviving children (in the books - the number being trimmed in the TV series). Penny, their youngest, marries Alec Hobbs, Gideon's deputy and a widower. By the time Gideon's Way was published (1983), Alec and Penny have a son, George.

Film and TV

In Gideon's Day (1958, directed by John Ford, USA title: Gideon Of Scotland Yard), Gideon is played by Jack Hawkins. The co-stars were Dianne Foster,Cyril Cusack, and Andrew Ray. The film was released by Columbia Pictures.

A 26-part TV series Gideon's Way (USA title: Gideon C.I.D.) was made in 1964, starring John Gregson, which ran...
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