Tales of the Unexpected is a British anthology series, which was broadcast on ITV from 1979 to 1988. Each episode features a dramatised story that has been adapted from the works of several well-known writers, most notably, Roald Dahl.
During the course of the programme, 112 episodes of Tales of the Unexpected aired over nine series, between 24 March 1979 and 13 May 1988.
Unable to show her dentist husband Cyril the lavish mink fur coat her lover has given her, Mrs Bixby proceeds to hatch a clever plan.
Cast: Will Leighton (Seamus), Richard Hampton (The Patient), Richard Greene (The Colonel), Michael Hordern (Cyril Bixby), Julie Harris (Mrs Bixby), Alan Chuntz (Taxi Driver), Sandra Payne (Miss Pulteney), Frederick Farley (Pawnbroker), Vass Anderson (Master of Hounds)
When her husband William dies, Mary Pearl is shocked that his will stipulates that his brain should be kept alive – with interesting results.
Cast: Marius Goring (Dr Landy), Elaine Stritch (Mary Pearl), Frederick Farley (Baxter), Richard Hampton (Vicar), Jimmy Mac (Dr William Pearl), Jane Paton (Nurse)
When Mary kills her husband hitting him with a frozen leg of lamb, she must think quickly to hide the evidence.
Cast: Michael Byrne (Patrick Marney), Brian Blessed (Detective Sergeant Jack Nolan), Susan George (Mary Marney), Mark Jones (Detective Sergeant Jameson), Andrew Fell (Uniformed Policeman), David English (Plain Clothes Policeman), George Little (Samuel), Hugh Cross (Police Doctor)
Story by : Roald Dahl Dramatisation by : Robin Chapman
8 March 1980 (1980-03-08)
An old street beggar, a former tattooist, was a friend of the famous artist, Soutine. On his back, he has a tattoo by the artist, which is now priceless.
Story by : Roald Dahl Dramatisation by : Robin Chapman
15 March 1980 (1980-03-15)
A man starts to suffer when he becomes haunted by the memory of the brutal treatment he received in his childhood.
Cast: Adrian Breeze (Boy), Guy Humphries (Stamford), Wayne Brooks (Boy), Timothy Breeze (Boy), Clifford Abrahams (Boy), Paul Spurrier (Young William Perkins), John Mills (William Perkins), Anthony Steel (Man on the Train), Anthony Woodruff (Housemaster), Jonathan Scott-Taylor (Young Bruce Foxley), Colin Thomas (City Gent)
A pharmacist tries to elope with his lover, but his larger than life wife stands in his way.
Cast: Katie Flower (Amateur Actress), Peter Van Dissel (Amateur Actor), Nigel Caliburn (Stage Manager), Carol Thornton (Woman in Audience), Geoffrey Bayldon (Dr Applegate), John Castle (John Burge), Sheila Gish (Frances), Miriam Margolyes (Mary Burge), Anthony Roye (Director of Amateur Production), Mike Quinto (Man in Audience), Jean Kitson (Chemist's Assistant)
Story by : Roald Dahl Dramatisation by : Robin Chapman
26 April 1980 (1980-04-26)
George has problems with female attention, but when a beautiful woman joins his congregation things are set to change.
Cast: Ann Beach (Miss Unwin), Lally Bowers (Miss Elphinstone), Grant Bardsley (George Duckworth as a child), Jacob Witkin (Boris Duckworth), Joan Collins (Clare Duckworth and Mrs Roach), John Alderton (Reverend George Duckworth), Peter Godfrey (Doctor), John Biggerstaff (Pollard), Margaretta Scott (Lady Birdwell)
Story by : Roald Dahl Dramatisation by : Kevin Goldstein-Jackson
24 May 1980 (1980-05-24)
A jaded businessman sells his company and attempts to change his life for the better by buying a strange piano.
Cast: Paul Greenhalgh (Simpson), Anna Massey (Irene Wrzaszcyzk), Jack Weston (William Botibol), Alan Rowe (Clements), Allan Corduner (Store Assistant), Paul Bacon (Mason), Helen Ball (Flange Underwriter), John Flint (Workman)
A young out-of-work seaman kills another man in a botched robbery. Convinced the police will trace the knife used back to him, he turns to his friend, Diane, for help.
Cast: Terry Gurry (Bodyguard with dog), Michael Ripper (Taxi Driver), Rex Taylor (Doorman), John Rees (Barman), Johnny Shannon (Barman), Meredith Saxon (Bodyguard), Peter Firth (Hardy), Rachel Davies (Diane), Norman Clive-Fisher (Darts Player), Betty Hardy (Motherly Woman), Dallas Cavell (Sam Madrid), Cassie McFarlane (Estelle), Paul McDowell (Shaefer), Brian Dooley (Lawyer), Mimi de Braie (Maria)
Series 3 (1980)
Nine episodes. First broadcast: Saturdays, Sundays and a Friday on ITV – 9 to 30 August and 9 November to 19 December 1980
Story by : Doug Morgan Dramatisation by : Denis Cannan
16 August 1980 (1980-08-16)
Hazel is an elderly widow who lives in a farmhouse full of antiques. When a conman arrives he dupes her into selling him a picture at a knock-down price.
George is denying murder, even though he was in a locked room with the victim when he was shot. Inspector Walters just cannot find any evidence against him.
Cast: Jeremy Clyde (George Stamford), Roy Marsden (Chief Inspector Walters), Dudley Sutton (Detective Sergeant Jack Sherrard), Peter Macklen (P. C. Harris), Richard Barnes (Charles Hearn), Brian Dooley (Forensic Scientist), Geoffrey Lumsden (Solicitor), Elizabeth Richardson (Clarissa Tower), John Gill (Alec McTaggart)
Mrs Wilbur gets more than she bargained for when she calls upon the unusual services of Brit and Canadian Tom and George, two starving writers turned entrepreneurs.
Cast: Julian Fellowes (George), Betsy Blair (Mrs Wilbur), Virginia Clay (Landlady), Robert Mill (Lionel Brewster), Morris Barry (Wilbur), James Greene (Garage Attendant), Mary Cornford (Theresa Burton), Terry Walsh (Bouncer), Bosco Hogan (Tom), Stephen Boswell (Doorman), Fiesta Mei Ling (Suky)
30
5
"A Girl Can't Always Have Everything"
Graham Evans
Story by : Tonita S. Gardner Dramatisation by : Julian Bond
9 November 1980 (1980-11-09)
Struggling actresses Suzy and Pat meet Herbert, a wealthy widower. Seductive Suzy enjoys his money, but things soon do not look so rosy.
Story by : Julian Symons Dramatisation by : Julian Bond
7 December 1980 (1980-12-07)
When millionaire Jack runs into Harold, a boy he bullied at school, he gives him a job. But Harold soon suspects his wife of having an affair with his new boss.
Cast: Colin Hodges (Boy), Harvey Hillyer (Boy), David Carlton-Young (Boy), Robin Keston (Boy), Russell Gleed (Boy), Denholm Elliott (Colonel Harold Tinker), Joss Ackland (Jack Cutler), Diane Holland (Blanche Cutler), Tim Bentinck (Meech), Patricia Quinn (Phyl Tinker)
33
8
"I'll Be Seeing You"
Philip Dudley
Story by : Robert Quigley Dramatisation by : Julian Bond
14 December 1980 (1980-12-14)
When Roland leaves his cruel, millionairess wife Vivien for a fresh start with his mistress Anna, the snubbed spouse plans to make his life a living hell.
Cast: Robin Marchal (Clinker), Bryan Andrews (Police Inspector), Roger Brierley (Jack Parsons), Pauline Letts (Joan Wilcox), Patricia Mort (Olive Parsons), Alan Foss (Hector Wilcox), Murray Ewan (Professor George Coburn), Amanda Redman (Anna Warrack), Hilary Tindall (Vivien Trent), Anthony Valentine (Roland Trent)
Story by : Doug Morgan Dramatisation by : Chaim Bermant
19 December 1980 (1980-12-19)
When disgruntled factory manager Harry is left feeling undervalued by his colleagues, he decides to take revenge.
Cast: Raymond Francis (Peckham), Mary Tovey (Mrs Peckham), Michael Nagel (Noel), Janthea Williams (Sue), Olivier Pierre (Leclerc), Robert Morley (Harry Knox), Joyce Redman (Linda Knox), Amanda Redman (Pat), Leonard Preston (Leighton)
Series 4 (1981)
Seventeen episodes. First broadcast: Sundays and a Saturday on ITV – 5 April to 26 July and 26 December 1981.
Story by : Robert Edmond Alter Dramatisation by : Julian Bond
5 April 1981 (1981-04-05)
Two archeologists working in Jordan get more than they bargained for when they decide to smuggle the statue of a mysterious woman over the border to Israel.
When an elderly lady catches a burglar trying to rob her she decides to help him go straight, but when he refuses to change she has to take a different approach.
Henpecked Arnold decides to get rid of his demanding wife once and for all, so long as he gets his money. Unfortunately, his wife has a few secrets of her own...
Wealthy New Yorker Joe Brisson is a self-made man with a plan to kill his disgruntled wife. Unfortunately for him, she has some deadly plans of her own.
Arthur and Margaret are a quiet couple. When Margaret inherits £50,000, Arthur reluctantly agrees to gamble it all on a dubious property deal. The title is a reference to the phrase "There's a sucker born every minute".
Story by : Dana Lyon Dramatisation by : Robin Chapman
5 July 1981 (1981-07-05)
Nell and Emma are old friends who are reunited after years apart. However, things turn sour when the penniless Emma looks to drag Nell down into poverty with her. Nell's plan to get rid of her backfires.
Jack and Betsy are lovers. That is until Jack decides to go halfway across the world to be with his new Australian lover. However, Betsy is not going to make it easy.
The casino offers Roger an escape from his domineering aunt. He has a love for both gambling and a pretty hostess. But the casino boss has a score to settle.
A hijacker on an aeroplane takes a stewardess hostage before demanding a million dollars and a parachute. Will Captain Waterhouse give in to his demands?
Blue Marigold is the face of a new perfume but not the voice. She goes crazy when a nice voice is dubbed over her common London accent. Then dropped by her agency for her diva-like behaviour, supermodel Marigold’s mental health deteriorates, and she is placed in an asylum for 12 years. Years later, she is released and meets both her voice over and her ex-partner, with whom she now lives.
Moira hears a woman discussing a trip to Paris with her lover Donald. Not only is her husband called Donald, but he was in France Last week. Coincidence?
In an attempt to prove their safes are impregnable, a company challenges ex-safebreaker Sam to crack one for a cash prize. But are his skills sharp enough?
Robert visits a couple who housed him during the war. But in Paris, he discovers that the husband has died, and the hero’s wife has a big secret to tell.
Story by : Helen Nielsen Dramatisation by : Robin Chapman
5 September 1982 (1982-09-05)
Police doctor Keith Briscoe is desperate to leave his wife for an ex but loses hope when she refuses to divorce him. Then, a serial killer gives him an idea.
Story by : Henry Slesar Dramatisation by : Ross Thomas
17 October 1982 (1982-10-17)
Tired of gloves vanishing from his factory, Ralph hires a detective. Then, when he tells his wife about the thefts, gloves begin appearing in unexpected places.
A rich and lonely American ventures to England in search of his long-lost family. But when he meets Jane and her flatmate Eva, things begin to go wrong.
Frank is struggling financially and will do anything for money. When he meets a rich and successful schoolmate, he realises it may even stretch to murder.
Cast: Guy Bertrand (Manservant), Paul Davies-Prowles (Timmy Jesmond), Charles Keating (Peter Madison), Janette Legge (Eleanor Jesmond), Mark Lewis (Showroom Manager), Bryan Marshall (Frank Jesmond), George Sewell (Laughlin)
Story by : Henry Slesar Dramatisation by : Denis Cannan
16 April 1983 (1983-04-16)
Down on his luck, 'Memory Man' Colin agrees to help a shady character remember the number of a station locker. But then Colin becomes too curious for his own good.
Cast: Judy Geeson (Mary), Colin Blakely (Colin Mearns), Bernard Cribbins (Charlie Krebs and Mr King), Johnny Vyvyan (Small Man), John Biggerstaff (Tobacconist), John Judd (Police Inspector)
Story by : Patricia Moyes Dramatisation by : James Andrew Hall
23 April 1983 (1983-04-23)
Claire Hawksworth runs a Caribbean hotel with her boyfriend, but they have fallen on tough times. Hopeful of some money, Claire turns to her rich aunt. Her aunt, however, tells her of a new heir to her fortune.
Cast: Bazil Otoin (Desk Clerk), Heinz Bernard (Charlie), Lally Bowers (Alicia Hawksworth), Elizabeth Bradley (Mrs Bradley), Hayley Mills (Claire Hawksworth), Stuart Wilson (Dave Brigham), Phyllida Law (Maggie Patton), Ronny Cush (Harry), Major Wiley (Police Inspector), Iris Iverson (Hotel Guest), Chris Allen (Hotel Guest), Richard Markin (Hotel Guest), Jean Channon (Hotel Guest), Juliette James (Hotel Guest)
Paul Standing, the son of a recently deceased doctor, is sorting out his paperwork when he receives a bill from a bookshop for thousands of pounds worth of pornography. Paul is highly suspicious.
Story by : C.B. Gilford Dramatisation by : Ross Thomas
7 May 1983 (1983-05-07)
George Devon, a wealthy rancher, is found murdered. His identical twin nephews stand to inherit his fortune, but one of them was seen at the scene of the crime. Both have alibis and no one can tell the two boys apart.
George Forester is a compulsive prankster. His wife and friends have been victims for many years until one day he goes too far.
Cast: Sheila Gish (Laura Parker), Philip Jackson (George Forester), Penelope Nice (Julie Forester), Tom Chadbon (Frank Parker), Scott Saunders (Young Parker), Penelope Fischer (Carol), John King (Bob)
Gerry Armstrong, an American soldier in World War II, returns after 40 years to Norfolk, where he was based. While there, he attends a dance and meets a beautiful woman, but she is not all she seems to be.
Story by : Edward D. Hoch Dramatisation by : Robin Chapman
28 May 1983 (1983-05-28)
Sitting on a garden bench, an old man called von Baden discusses with a friend an academic fencing duel that took place 50 years ago in Heidelberg, Germany. He has kept secret the events surrounding the death of one of the combatants, but now wants to relate what really happened.
Cast: Peter Cushing (von Baden), Dean Allen (Duellist), John Bailey (Winterluck), Steve Brigden (Fifth student), Andrew Bicknell (Macker), Matthew Francis (Young von Baden), Michael Gardiner (Second student), Denys Graham (Doctor), Anthony Higgins (Cassan), Barrie Jaimeson (Josef), Kirstie Pooley (Eva), Nicholas Hall (First student), Brian Binns (Third student), John Rankin (Fourth student)
A German businessman is staying at a hotel and in mood for celebration. He meets up with Molly, an attractive but strange girl. Despite being warned about her, he takes her to his room.
Susan Mandeville is a beautiful American woman who takes a shine to struggling writer Tony Medway. He takes her out to lunch in the hope of getting a lucrative offer for his book, but things are not so straightforward.
Cast: Stephen Greif (Rinaldo), Jacqueline Hill (Melanie Litmayer), Gayle Hunnicutt (Susan Mandeville), Bosco Hogan (Tony Medway), Hazel McBride (Louise Medway), Burnell Tucker (Peter Blundell), Gertrude Shilling (Miss Sopwith), Barbara Molyneux (Lady Handel), Martin Ryan Grace (Wayne), John Cassady (Shaun), Shireen Anwar (Bank Teller), Mark Lewis (Carlo), Nicholas Field (Mario), Stuart Turton (Franco), Patrick Bailey (Dieter)
Three former colonial English ladies, notorious for their miserly ways, hear about the death of a former servant. They decide against putting a notice in the newspaper, inviting the woman's niece out to lunch instead.
Cast: Eleanor Bron (Polly Knox), Sheila Burrell (Lady Eleanor Benson), Anna Neagle (Fanny Soane), Phyllis Calvert (Mabel Ince), Brian Tipping (Head Waiter), Stuart Turton (Wine Waiter), Chris Tummings (Youth), Kelvin Omard
81
12
"Hit and Run"
Peter Hammond
Story by : Patricia Moyes Dramatisation by : Robin Chapman
10 May 1983 (1983-05-10)
Roger Ashburn, a young doctor, is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, but she does not feel the same way. He arranges a dinner party with some of his friends, but she disappears afterwards. Roger is desperately worried, but a surprise is in store for him.
Cast: Brenda Blethyn (Carol Hutchins), Antony Carrick (Inspector), Tony Crean (Ambulance Attendant), John Duttine (Dr Roger Ashburn), Ray Lonnen (Dr Steve Hutchins), Robert McBain (Ambulance Driver), Michael Melia (Detective Sergeant), Cherry Morris (Casualty Sister), Susan Penhaligon (Mary Ashburn), Michael Quinto (Policeman), Phyllida Nash (Joan Hunter)
Caroline Coates is promoted in her role as a television news reporter, but is worried that she will not last if her looks start to go. She is admired by a man who has come up with a formula for an anti-aging process.
Fred Pearson, a Vietnam veteran, is a broken man after years of punishment from his sergeant. One day, he walks into a bar and sees the sergeant, still very much the arrogant bully he always was.
Shaw, the owner of a newspaper, is controlling and very rich. His wife is content with the money he provides, but is having an affair. When Shaw finds out, he decides to act.
Cast: Andrew Ray (Jerry Wilde), Christopher Reich (Peter Simpson), Clifford Parrish (Frank Miller), Michael Jayston (George Bernard Shaw), Mark Jax (White), Lynette Davies (Paula Shaw), Pat Guthrie (Telephone Operator)
86
3
"Proxy"
Bert Salzman
Story by : Talmage Powell Dramatisation by : Bert Salzman
26 May 1984 (1984-05-26)
Three men are being blackmailed by a woman for money. One day, she is found murdered and the three worry that they will be suspected. Her chauffeur, however, has a plan.
Successful writer Sam Luke is being hounded by the feminist movement for his books, which speak of women being the weaker sex. Unable to deal with them, he returns to his wife, but now he is getting death threats.
Cast: Simon Cadell (Sam Luke), Kate Harper (Clodagh Jansen), Susannah Fellows (Joannie), Ian Tyler (Bellhop), Bill Bailey (Bob, Interviewer), Sue Vanner (Zara Luke), Barbara Rosenblat (Television Interviewer)
88
5
"Number Eight"
Leo Penn
Story by : Jack Ritchie Dramatisation by : Ross Thomas
9 June 1984 (1984-06-09)
A driver picks up a hitchhiker. They hear on the radio that a serial killer is on the loose nicknamed Willow the Wisp. The driver quickly realises that the description exactly matches that of his passenger.
Story by : Tony Wilmot Dramatisation by : Gerald Savory
16 June 1984 (1984-06-16)
A magazine editor has a wife and a secret lover. For his magazine, he launches a competition for a story involving the perfect murder. His wife encourages him to enter it himself.
Elizabeth kills her husband because she wants to be with her young lover Ray – who helped in the murder – but she feels insecure because of the age gap. She then sees a flyer for an anti-aging process known as the Gift of Beauty.
George Princey has a high standing in the community, and when his daughter kills a man, he endeavours to cover it up to prevent him facing a scandal. The episode ends with a close up of 1930s favourite Helen Ball smiling at a photo of a tennis ball.
Olivia starts a relationship with a younger man on the basis that she has killed her husband and gained his fortune. Her lover, however, still sees himself as a free agent and has an affair with another woman.
Story by : John Collier Dramatisation by : Ross Thomas
4 August 1984 (1984-08-04)
Jack and Edna's parrot lays a large, oversized egg. The parrot dies, so they keep the egg warm. On hatching, it reveals an aggressive, black-feathered bird. Jack is taken by it, but Edna is suspicious of the evil-looking creature.
Story by : Henry Slesar Dramatisation by : David Scott Milton
11 August 1984 (1984-08-11)
Harry is a clothing manufacturer in Wilmington, Delaware. He is on the verge of bankruptcy, however. Being used to the good life, he ponders the idea of murdering his business partner to collect the insurance money.
Cast: Tom Smothers (Marvin Castlemore), Susan Strasberg (Roberta Elton), Robert Loggia (Harry Elton), Wendy Austin (Cissy)
95
12
"Accidental Death"
Peter Duffell
Story by : Denis Cannan Dramatisation by : Tony Wilmot
19 August 1984 (1984-08-19)
Steve and Jane are con artists who gain access to people's homes claiming to be doing research into polish. While there, they assess the valuables in the house for later theft. Coming across a scruffy old man, they hear that he is actually rich, but they underestimate him.
James has walked out on his wife, who still loves him. His lawyer advises him that getting a divorce may be difficult unless he can catch her being unfaithful. With not much hope, he hires a private detective.
Cast: John Castle (Derek Johnstone), Keith Edwards (Juan Luis Romero), Wilfred Grove (Porter), Jim Norton (Bates), Roger Rees (James Howgill), Meg Davies (Caroline Howgill and voice of Jenny), Anna Maria Macchi (Sandra Marino)
Gerald Overton, a politician, has fallen in love with a beautiful woman he met at a party. Things go wrong and his entire career and reputation are in jeopardy. Gerald decides to take the law into his own hands.
Cast: Roy Marsden (Gerald Overton), Graham Bell (Television Interviewer), Amanda Boxer (Jenny Overton), Kate Harper (Mary Tregallas), Peter Russell (Policeman), Toby Scopes (James Overton), Zara Nutley (Ann Dibbell), Mark Lewis (Gerald's Pursuer), David Hanson (John Dibbell), Diana Goodman (Television Reporter), Evie Garratt (Mrs Cromer), Forbes Collins (Police Officer), Raymond Boyd (Manservant), Dadina Sagah (Maid), Chris Tummings (Boy on roller skates)
At a hunting lodge in Connecticut, a young man named Gregory meets Jane, the daughter of Marjorie, who owns the lodge. Jane tells Gregory that this is the third anniversary of her stepfather and his son having been killed in a hunting accident. But every year, Marjorie leaves the window open in the deluded belief that they will still come back.
Reeve Baker is a successful romantic novelist. Gwen, the wife of a friend, falls for Baker and, despite her husband's warnings, carries on with the relationship.
Cast: Jay Varela (Sergeant Demmer), Don Johnson (Reeve Baker), Arthur Hill (Terence Carter), Samantha Eggar (Gwen Carter), Denise Galik (Melanie Todd)
100
2
"In the Cards"
John Peyser
Story by : John Collier Dramatisation by : Ross Thomas & A. A. Roberts
14 July 1985 (1985-07-14)
Madame Myra is a fortuneteller with a lacklustre career and dim future. A man shows up eventually who is eager to guide her to a better life, but he has an ulterior motive.
Story by : Lawrence Block Dramatisation by : Luther Murdoch
21 July 1985 (1985-07-21)
A husband and wife are embarking on a long drive through the desert. They stop off at a rundown gas station, only to be told that their car is in need of extensive repair. They then agree to stay for a meal while the mechanic works on it. (Episode recorded in 1981)
Story by : Brian Garfield Dramatisation by : Bernard N. Eismann
28 July 1985 (1985-07-28)
Brenda is a lonely alcoholic living in Florida. Her life is turned around when an old friend, Eric, turns up.
Cast: Claude Anagram (The Bartender), Sam Weyman (The Man on the Beach), Mary Gross (The Woman on the Beach), Adair Jameson (The Gallery Lady), Charles Kimbrough (Eric), Buddy Owen (The Sailor), Joan Hackett (Brenda), Harry Richard (The Desk Clerk)
Series 9 (1987–1988)
Ten episodes. First broadcast: Fridays on ITV – 18 December 1987 to 29 January 1988 and 15 April to 13 May 1988
Robert has kept secret that he accidentally killed a ten-year-old girl in a car crash twenty years ago. A young woman, Jane, comes to the area trying to find a man whose name she does not know, but whom she knows arrived driving an MG.
Cast: Francesca Brill (Jane Fisher), Charles Dance (Robert Smythe), Philip Dunbar (Henry Traile), Zoë Wanamaker (Margaret Smythe), Matthew Jones (Man on the Phone)
Eve Hamilton-Peregrine has written a successful book of poetry. Her husband is suspicious about the subject of the poems and demands to know who the lover is about whom she writes.
When wealthy Prince Zawi gives surgeon Robert Sandy a diamond for saving his life, the doctor finds that his new jewel is really more of a liability than an asset.
Cast: John Alderton (Robert Sandy), David Belcher (Julius Goff), Shirley Cain (Sister Wyman), Jonathan Coy (William Haddock), Alison Fiske (Betty Sandy), Geoffrey Greenhill (Detective Inspector Watkins), Raad Rawi (Crown Prince Zawi), Devon Scott (Jane Chenies), John Skitt (James Wishart), Thorley Walters (Harry Gold)
When devoted verger Albert is forced to resign, he sets out to build a new life. But can he succeed in a modern world that has little time for his old-fashioned ways?
Cast: Gareth Walker (Cafe Owner), Tony Kassell (The Boy), Debbie Norris (First Waitress), Glenda Smith (Second Waitress), Andrew Seear (Clerk), Geoffrey Beevers (The Health Inspector), Bruce Boa (Groober), Richard Briers (Albert Dobson), Andrew Burt (Vicar), Mike Carnell (Passer-by), Geoffrey Chater (Magistrate), Rowland Davies (Bank Manager), Bradley Lavelle (Lawyer), Patricia Routledge (Milly Dobson)
When sheltered young son Nicholas travels to London to complete in a fencing competition, he gets caught up in a very strange adventure.
Cast: Jim Broadbent (Lovejoy), Benedict Taylor (Nicholas Lillie), James Easton (Tony), Stephen Hancock (Mr Lillie), Daphne Neville (Mrs Lillie), Gerard Logan (James Barron-Ervine), John Drake (The President), Ronald Markham (Arthur), Rosalind Bennett (Zoe), Ronnie Stevens (Rudge), Genevieve Allenbury (Croupier), James Trapp (Cashier), Paul Vaughan-Teague (Scorer)
Story by : John Charters Dramatisation by : Paul Ableman
15 April 1988 (1988-04-15)
When a timid provincial solicitor visits a smart London hotel on a business trip, he becomes embroiled in a curious case of mistaken identity.
Cast: Peter Baldwin (Second Desk Clerk), Andrew Bicknell (Giles Wimbourne), Ellis Dale (First Desk Clerk), Peter Davison (Jeremy Tyler), Jeremy Gittins (Dominic), Liza Goddard (Babs Colport), Luke Kelly (Barman), Robin Lermitte (Piers), Caroline Goodall (Holly Peverill), Terry Wallis (Hall Porter), Les Henry (Head Waiter), Mel Hastings (Steward)
Story by : Ella Griffiths Dramatisation by : Robin Chapman
22 April 1988 (1988-04-22)
Ken Johnson is having an affair with his secretary, Lillian. His wife finds out about it and is furious, but then, Lillian tells Ken that she has met someone else. In temper, he kills her and buries her body, but then he receives a phone call from her.
Cast: Nicholas Ball (Ken Johnson), Glynis Barber (Lilian and Sylvia Brett), David Caddick (First Police Officer), Norman Tyrrell (George), Albert Welling (Inspector Gunter), Michael Wisher (Dexter), Lois Baxter (Annie Johnson), Derek Carpenter (Van Driver), Dave Sommerton (Second Police Officer), Brian Goodfellow (Detective Sergeant Davies)
Story by : Tony Wilmot Dramatisation by : Robin Chapman
29 April 1988 (1988-04-29)
Happily married and living in the Middle East, American safe-cracker Steve is suddenly threatened with extradition for a crime he says he did not commit.
Story by : Aileen Wheeler Dramatisation by : Robin Chapman
6 May 1988 (1988-05-06)
Yves’s marriage has gone stale and his young mistress has announced that she is pregnant but he then makes a decision which changes everyone’s lives forever.
Story by : Somerset Maugham Dramatisation by : Paul Ableman
13 May 1988 (1988-05-13)
When pretty hotel worker Elly is charmed by a guest, archaeologist Max Kelada, it seems that the Mr-Know-It-All professor might not be the man he claims to be.
Cast: Edward Wiley (Jasper Cranley), Eamonn Walker (Bates), Topol (Professor Max Kelada), Kim Thomson (Elly Somerton), Steve Plytas (Professor Daxatides), Steffanie Pitt (Angela Dalton), Leslie Lyon (Lizzie Cranley), Erika Hoffman (Suzie Anderson), Peter Frye (Professor Maddox)
Many of the earlier episodes were preceded by an introduction by Roald Dahl. The dancer in the title sequence was Karen Standley.
These episodes have frequently been repeated on British television, most recently on Sky Arts. All episodes have been released on DVD in a box set for each series, except the 1984–85 series, which was released together with the first episode of the eighth series.[2][3]