The BBC crime drama series Z Cars was created in 1961 as an alternative to the safe and cosy police series Dixon of Dock Green. While showing hard-hitting stories that reflected the reality of 1960s policing, real policemen followed it avidly while their superiors initially protested. With access to extensive BBC paperwork and series creator Troy Kennedy Martin's own files, this book details the creation and development of the programme through the groundbreaking first season. With many recollections from those involved - actors, writers, directors and sole producer - this book is their story of what happened on and off set. With full synopsis of the season's episodes, many of which no longer exist, most of the shows in this series have not been seen since their initial live broadcasts. 274 illustrated A4 pages, with synopsis of Troy Kennedy Martin's initial drafts for the first episode and an unmade script from later in the season. Perfect for any fan of quality crime drama.