The Unregistered Operator is the first of two stories in Issue 2 of the Adventures of Biggles comic series published by Action Comics of Sydney, Australia. The story takes up 13 pages and is followed by the 13 page The Murdered Apprentice. The artist is not credited nor do the pictures contain a signature but they are likely drawn by Albert de Vine. The Unregistered Operator is an adaptation of The Case of the Unregistered Operator from Biggles Air Detective.
Synopsis[]
Chief Inspector Gaskin seeks Biggles' help with the problem of criminals who appear to be at two places at the same time.
Plot[]
(May contain spoilers. Click on expand to read)
This adaptation is very faithful to the original. All the key events are included. Only some conversations are shortened and minor details altered.
- Gaskin narrates the cases of Charlie Cotelli and Joe Laskar more briefly but all the key facts are there.
- As in the orginal, Biggles is picked up by the P.P.A. just after being released from a prison. This time there are three men in the car, not two. We are only told the name of the driver, "Slick".
- The meeting with Darkie takes place much as in the original. The negotiation over the fee stops at £1500. Biggles does not cut it down further to £1250.
- The aircraft used is not a Puss Moth but some single engine light aircraft with a twin tail.
- The events in France are much as described. Biggles lands at a farm and is driven to 41 Rue Chantonesse. Darkie tries to double cross but Gaskin is already there. Like in the original, Biggles is introduced to Captain Joudrier.
Characters[]
The Special Air Police and other police[]
- Air Commodore Raymond - mentioned
- Biggles
- Gaskin
- Captain Joudrier
Others[]
Aircraft[]
- Not a Puss Moth. A single-engine light aircraft with a twin tail and a tricycle undercarriage. Possibly a General Aircraft Cygnet.
Two views of the aircraft used by the P.P.A. The tail and cockpit glazing match the General Aircraft Cygnet although the rear fuselage is thicker than in drawing than in the real thing. The engine nacelle also does not match the Cygnet. In the real thing, it is narrow and tapers towards the prop, like most Gipsy Major engines installations.
In other scenes it can be seen that the aircraft has a tricycle undercarriage which is canted forward. This matches the General Aircraft Cygnet.
Places[]
Visited[]
- London
- Gatwick - Air Police operations room
- Prison - no indication which one
- Field or farm off Great West Road
- Paris
- Farm outside Paris
- 41 Rue Chantonesse, Paris
Mentioned[]
- Belfast
- Plevington Castle
- Paris
Mentioned[]
Research notes[]
Illustrations[]