List of Tales of the Unexpected episodes

This is a list of episodes of the British drama series, Tales of the Unexpected.

Season 1 (1979)

Nine episodes.  First broadcast: Saturdays on ITV – 24 March to 19 May 1979

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Introduced by	Cast	Original air date
1	1	"The Man from the South"	Michael Tuchner	Story by: Roald Dahl Adaptation by: Kevin Goldstein-Jackson	Roald Dahl	Angela Malcolm (Maid), Pamela Stephenson (Cathy), José Ferrer (Carlos), Michael Ontkean (Tommy), Cyril Luckham (Rawlsden), Katy Jurado (Mysterious Woman)	March 24, 1979 (1979-03-24)
An American sailor and his girlfriend, Cathy, are on holiday in Jamaica.  They become involved in a bizarre bet with Carlos, who loves to gamble.  When the young man boasts about his cigarette lighter, Carlos offers him his Jaguar if the boy can strike his lighter successfully ten times in a row.  But if he fails even once, if the boy does not strike it precisely, Carlos will cut off his finger.
2	2	"Mrs. Bixby and the Colonel's Coat"	Simon Langton	Story by: Roald Dahl Adaptation by: Ronald Harwood	Roald Dahl	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)	March 31, 1979 (1979-03-31)
Mrs Bixby is having an affair behind her husband's back.  Her lover gives her a mink coat.  She devises a devious plan to explain its presence to her husband.
3	3	"William and Mary"	Donald McWhinnie	Written by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Ronald Harwood	Roald Dahl	Marius Goring (Dr Landy), Elaine Stritch (Mary Pearl), Frederick Farley (Baxter), Richard Hampton (Vicar), Jimmy Mac (Dr William Pearl), Jane Paton (Nurse)	April 7, 1979 (1979-04-07)
A widow is informed by her doctor that her husband's brain has been kept alive.  The husband had always imposed a strict regime on his wife and she now seeks revenge.
4	4	"Lamb to the Slaughter"	John Davies	Written by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	Roald Dahl	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)	April 14, 1979 (1979-04-14)
Mary Marney, a devoted and pregnant housewife, is preparing dinner when her husband Patrick returns home from his job as a police detective.  He tells her that he is leaving her.  Moving almost on autopilot, Mary fetches a leg of lamb from the deep-freezer in the cellar to cook for their dinner.  Patrick says he doesn't want dinner, as he is going out.  In a trance-like panic, she hits him on the head and kills him.  The police conclude that Patrick was killed with a large blunt object, but are baffled when the murder weapon cannot be found.  As they were all friends of Patrick, Mary begs them to stay and eat the lamb, which she has been roasting, while they discuss the case.
5	5	"The Landlady"	Herbert Wise	Written by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	Roald Dahl	Siobhán McKenna (The Landlady), Leonard Preston (Billy Weaver), Anthony Dawes (The Clergyman), John Bryant (Mulholland), Jess Davies (Temple)	April 21, 1979 (1979-04-21)
Billy Weaver, a young man from London, arrives at a guesthouse.  He is greeted by the landlady, but his curiosity is aroused when he reads the guest book.  He sees the names of young men whom, he remembers, had gone missing.  The landlady tells him that she is a taxidermist.
6	6	"Neck"	Christopher Miles	Written by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	Roald Dahl	Michael Aldridge (Sir Basil Turton), Joan Collins (Lady Turton), John Gielgud (Jelks), Peter Bowles (Major Jack Haddock), Paul Herzberg (John Bannister), Carmen Silvera (Carmen La Rosa)	April 28, 1979 (1979-04-28)
Lady Turton, an art collector's wife, is conducting a series of affairs, much to the disapproval of her resentful husband and their butler, Jelks.  They have an estate filled with art; even the outdoor gardens have fantastical pieces of topiary and abstract sculpture.  One night, while cavorting with Major Jack Haddock and making fun of her husband's beloved artworks, she finds her head trapped in a priceless piece of art.  Sir Basil Turton asks Jelks to fetch him a tool with which he can free her head.  Jelks brings him both an axe and a saw.  After considering the problem, Sir Basil decides upon the axe.
7	7	"Edward the Conqueror"	Rodney Bennett	Written by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Ronald Harwood	Roald Dahl	Joseph Cotten (Edward), Wendy Hiller (Louisa), Phil Brown (F. Milton Willis)	May 5, 1979 (1979-05-05)
A husband and wife adopt a stray cat.  The cat responds to the woman's piano playing to such a degree that she becomes convinced that it is the reincarnation of composer Franz Liszt.  The woman bonds with the cat, much to her husband's jealousy.
8	8	"A Dip in the Pool"	Michael Tuchner	Written by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Ronald Harwood	Roald Dahl	Jack Weston (William Botibol), Gladys Spencer (Sylvia), Bill Reimbold (Bill Wilson), Elaine Ives-Cameron (Sarah Grant), Davyd Harries (Purser), Michael Troughton (Steward), Jana Sheldon (Mrs Renshaw), Don Fellows (Renshaw), Paula Tilbrook (Maggie), David Healy (Auctioneer), Ken Buckle (Sailor)	May 12, 1979 (1979-05-12)
William Botibol, a man on a cruise ship, takes part in a bet to predict how far the ship will travel in twenty-four hours.  He calculates that he will win if the ship is delayed a little—if, for instance, it has to turn back to collect a man overboard.  In order to win by cheating, he waits until he and a woman are alone on the deck and then he pretends to fall overboard.  Unfortunately for him, the woman is not what he thinks she is.
9	9	"The Way Up to Heaven"	Simon Langton	Written by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Ronald Harwood	Roald Dahl	Julie Harris (Alice Foster), Angus MacKay (Walker), Julia Watson (Maid), Dulcie Huston (Hostess), Jeremy Longhurst (Driver), Brian Capron (Airport Official), Anthony Bailey (Arthur), Roland Culver (Eugene Foster)	May 19, 1979 (1979-05-19)
Mrs. Alice Foster has a pathological fear of being late.  On the day of her holiday to New York to see their daughter, her husband, an inveterate and somewhat sadistic dawdler, torments her by making her late.  To her relief, the flight has been delayed by fog, so she is on time, anyway; but it is then cancelled and she is forced to catch the next flight in the morning.  Mr. Foster attempts to delay her again.  Sat in the car and just about to leave, he says he has forgotten a gift for their daughter and says he will go back into the house to get it.  Mrs. Foster then notices the gift stuck in the car.  Frantic to get to the airport on time, she runs after him to tell him she's found the gift, and sees that he has taken their in-house elevator to go upstairs.  She hears him shouting her name and realises her husband is stuck in the lift.  A slight smile twitches across her face.  She returns to the car and tells the driver to take her to the airport.  She gets her revenge on his cruelty when she returns from holiday, six weeks later, and finds that the lift has been stuck between two floors all that time, during which her husband has died of starvation and thirst.  She calmly calls the Elevator Emergency Service in order to have it repaired.

Season 2 (1980)

Sixteen episodes.  First broadcast: ITV – Saturdays 1 March to 14 June 1980

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Introduced by	Cast	Original air date
10	1	"Royal Jelly"	Herbert Wise	Story by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	Roald Dahl	Andrew Ray (Percy Hayward), Susan George (Mabel Taylor), Timothy West (Albert Taylor)	March 1, 1980 (1980-03-01)
A bee-keeper becomes concerned when his wife tells him that their baby daughter is ill and losing weight.  To help the baby gain strength, he begins feeding her royal jelly.
11	2	"Skin"	Herbert Wise	Story by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	Roald Dahl	Lucy Gutteridge (Josie), Boris Isarov (Chaim Soutine), Donald Pickering (Gallery Owner), Peggy Ashby (Rich Woman), Sabina Franklyn (Young Girl), David Webb (Chef), Derek Jacobi (Drioli)	March 8, 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.  Jelly.
12	3	"Galloping Foxley"	Claude Whatham	Story by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	Roald Dahl	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)	March 15, 1980 (1980-03-15)
William Perkins is haunted by the bullying he received while at Boarding school 60 years ago.  While on a train, he is convinced that the man sitting opposite him is the bully.
13	4	"The Hitch-hiker"	Alastair Reid	Story by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	Roald Dahl	Cyril Cusack (Michael Fish), Rod Taylor (Paul Duveen), John Forgeham (Policeman)	March 22, 1980 (1980-03-22)
Flashy American Paul Duveen stops to give elderly Irish vagrant Michael Fish a lift in his new BMW.  Michael is a pickpocket, which comes in very handy after his encouragement to Paul to break the speed limit has attracted the attention of a traffic cop on a motor-bike, who waves them over.  After the cop has gone, Michael shows a happy Paul that he stole the cop's notebook and evidence, but before long, Paul will be anything but happy.
14	5	"Poison"	Graham Evans	Story by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	Roald Dahl	Andrew Ray (Harry Pope), Judy Geeson (Sandra), Saeed Jaffrey (Dr Kunzru Ganderbai), Anthony Steel (Timber Woods)	March 29, 1980 (1980-03-29)
This story is set in India during the time of British colonialism.  Narrator Timber Woods goes to visit his friend Harry Pope.  Harry is in bed, motionless, sweating, and in a panic.  He whispers that a krait, one of the deadliest snakes, is on his stomach, underneath the covers.  He asks Timber to go get a doctor; Timber calls Dr. Ganderbai, a local Indian doctor.  Timber and Ganderbai frantically try to get the snake off of Harry to save his life.  But they find no snake on Harry; perhaps it has gone, perhaps Harry imagined the snake.  When he realises this, Harry is so relieved that he attacks Ganderbai with racial slurs.  The real poison in the room is not the snake's; it is the racist's.  Ganderbai walks out of the room and tells Timber that Harry needs a vacation.
15	6	"Fat Chance"	John Gorrie	Story by: Robert Bloch Dramatisation by: Denis Cannan	Roald Dahl	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 Royle (Director of Amateur Production), Mike Quinto (Man in Audience), Jean Kitson (Chemist's Assistant)	April 5, 1980 (1980-04-05)
John Burge, a pharmacist, is carrying on an affair behind his overweight wife's back.  His lover, Frances, tells him that he must get rid of his wife.  Mary, however, will not divorce him and Frances is issuing an ultimatum.  He decides to put his pharmaceutical skills into play and poison his wife's chocolates.  However, not everything will go to plan.
16	7	"Taste"	Alastair Reid	Story by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Ronald Harwood	Roald Dahl	Ron Moody (Richard Pratt), William Hootkins (Peter Bligh), Mercia Glossop (Sybil Schofield), Antony Carrick (Mike Schofield), Debbie Farrington (Louise Schofield), Beth Porter (Joanna Bligh), Gabrielle Blunt (Mrs Adams)	April 12, 1980 (1980-04-12)
Mike Schofield has a wager against his wine connoisseur friend, Richard Pratt that Pratt will not be able to deduce the vineyard from which the wine he is serving at dinner originates.  The stakes become increasingly high: Pratt wants to bet for the hand of Schofield's daughter in marriage; if he loses, he will give Schofield both of his houses.
17	8	"My Lady Love, My Dove"	Herbert Wise	Story by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Ronald Harwood	Roald Dahl	Elaine Stritch (Pamela Beauchamp), Lisa Eichhorn (Sally Snape), Douglas Lambert (Henry Snape), Shane Rimmer (Arthur Beauchamp)	April 19, 1980 (1980-04-19)
Pamela Beauchamp visits friends to stay for the weekend for fun.  She installs a hidden microphone in their room.  After a high-stakes game of bridge, she listens in to discover that they had been cheating.
18	9	"Georgy Porgy"	Graham Evans	Story by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	Roald Dahl	Ann Beach (Miss Unwin), Lally Bowers (Miss Elphinstone), Grant Bardsley (George Duckworth as a child), Jacob Witkin (Boris Duckworth), Joan Collins (Clare Duckworth & Mrs Roach), John Alderton (Reverend George Duckworth), Peter Godfrey (Doctor), John Biggerstaff (Pollard), Margaretta Scott (Lady Birdwell)	April 26, 1980 (1980-04-26)
A Vicar with an overactive imagination sees naked women as he delivers his sermons.  One day, he finds that women are suddenly attracted to him and a beautiful woman offers herself to his desires.
19	10	"Depart in Peace"	Alan Gibson	Story by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Ronald Harwood	Roald Dahl	Joseph Cotten (Lionel), Gloria Grahame (Gladys Ponsonby), Maureen O'Brien (Janet de Pelagia), John Bennett (Royden), Peter Cellier (Wilkins)	May 3, 1980 (1980-05-03)
An art collector becomes involved in a struggle between two beautiful women.  (Based on the short story "Nunc Dimittis.")
20	11	"The Umbrella Man"	Claude Whatham	Story by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Ronald Harwood	Roald Dahl	Michael Gambon (Andrew), John Mills (The Umbrella Man), Michael Sheard (Inspector), John Rees (Clerk), Jennifer Hilary (Wendy), John Carson (Arthur)	May 10, 1980 (1980-05-10)
On a wet afternoon, an elderly con-man strikes up a conversation with a passer-by.  The old man sells him a silk umbrella, which he has stolen, claiming he needs money for a taxi.  A mix-up with stolen umbrellas means that he exposes a couple who are cheating on the woman's husband.
21	12	"Genesis and Catastrophe"	Herbert Wise	Story by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Ronald Harwood	Roald Dahl	Helmut Griem (Alois), Hana Maria Pravda (Frau Lemner), Zhivila Roche (Klara), Alastair Llewellyn (Doctor), Graham Seed (Josef), Toby Waldock (Young Alois)	May 17, 1980 (1980-05-17)
In 1889, after having lost three children, an Austrian woman is concerned that her newborn baby boy is ill.  The doctor helps and urges the woman's husband to be positive.  They decide to name the boy Adolphus.
22	13	"Mr Botibol's First Love"	John Gorrie	Story by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Kevin Goldstein-Jackson	Roald Dahl	Paul Greenhalgh (Simpson), Anna Massey (Irene Wrzaszcyzk), Jack Weston (William Botibol), Alan Rowe (Clements), Allan Corduner (Store Assistant), Paul Bacon (Mason), John Flint (Workman)	May 24, 1980 (1980-05-24)
Mr Botibol is obsessed with Classical music and builds a concert hall in his house.  To his records, he pretends to conduct an orchestra and play a silent piano.  A woman he meets shares his love of music and together they "perform" in the imaginary hall.
23	14	"Back for Christmas"	Giles Foster	Story by: John Collier Dramatisation by: Denis Cannan	Roald Dahl	Laurence Payne (Party Guest), Richard Johnson (Dr James Carpenter), Siân Phillips (Hermione Carpenter), Artro Morris (Pathologist), Avril Elgar (Pathologist's Wife), Cyril Luckham (Consultant), Lynne Ross (Samantha), Andrew Lebas (Waiter)	May 31, 1980 (1980-05-31)
A man plots a foolproof way to murder his wife, but the murder is exposed because of an unexpected gift she left for him to find.
24	15	"The Orderly World of Mr Appleby"	John Gorrie	Story by: Stanley Ellin Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	Roald Dahl	Robert Lang (Arthur Appleby), Cyril Luckham (Gainsborough), Elizabeth Spriggs (Martha Appleby), Christopher Bramwell (Dominic), Nigel Caliburn (Signwriter)	June 7, 1980 (1980-06-07)
Mr Appleby loves his antiques shop, even though everyone tells him the "antiques" are just junk.  To maintain the shop, he repeatedly marries wealthy women.  Now he has married for the fourth time.  His new wife discovers that he murdered the previous three, but she is more than a match for him.
25	16	"The Man at the Top"	Claude Whatham	Story by: Edward D. Hoch Dramatisation by: Denis Cannan	Roald Dahl	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)	June 14, 1980 (1980-06-14)
A young seaman becomes embroiled in a fight with another man and kills him.  Eager to escape, he turns to his friend, Diane.  She sets him up with someone who can help.

Season 3 (1980)

Nine episodes.  First broadcast: Saturdays, Sundays and a Friday on ITV – 9 to 30 August and 9 November to 19 December 1980

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Introduced by	Cast	Original air date
26	1	"The Flypaper"	Graham Evans	Story by: Elizabeth Taylor Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	Roald Dahl	Stephanie Cole (Miss Harrison), Alfred Burke (Herbert), Lorna Yabsley (Sylvia Wilkinson), Pat Keen (Vera), Bernadette Windsor (Louise), Giles Phibbs (Bus Conductor)	August 9, 1980 (1980-08-09)
Sylvia, a quiet, teenage girl, is being pestered by an old man.  A woman steps in to help and brings her to her caravan home to call for the police.  Unfortunately, the woman is not nice at all.
27	2	"A Picture of a Place"	Giles Foster	Story by: Doug Morgan Dramatisation by: Denis Cannan	Roald Dahl	Michael Troughton (Andrew), Bill Maynard (Merv), Jessie Matthews (Hazel), Judy Riley (Lucy), Peter Sallis (Solicitor)	August 16, 1980 (1980-08-16)
An elderly woman lives in a house full of antiques.  On visiting, a con-man buys a valuable picture from her at a knockdown price.  She turns out to be smarter.
28	3	"Proof of Guilt"	Chris Lovett	Story by: Bill Pronzini Dramatisation by: Johnny Byrne	TBA	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)	August 23, 1980 (1980-08-23)
A Police Inspector is investigating a murder.  The main suspect is George Stamford, who was with the victim at the time of death, but he admits nothing and there is no evidence against him.
29	4	"Vengeance is Mine Inc."	Alan Gibson	Roald Dahl	Roald Dahl	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)	August 30, 1980 (1980-08-30)
Two out-of-work actors in New York set up a scheme whereby they take revenge on a newspaper critic, Lionel Brewster, for money.  Mrs Wilbur calls on them and hires their services.
30	5	"A Girl Can't Always Have Everything"	Graham Evans	Story by: Tonita S. Gardner Dramatisation by: Julian Bond	TBA	Peter Tuddenham (Vicar), Sylvester Williams (Messenger), Ryan Michael (Handsome Man), Richard Foxton (Stage Manager), Nancy Nevinson (Grand Lady), Joan Collins (Suzy Starr), Pauline Collins (Pat Lewis), Brewster Mason (Herbert Millette), James Faulkner (Patrick)	September 9, 1980 (1980-09-09)
Suzy and Pat, two struggling actresses, share an apartment together.  They get lucky when a millionaire widower invests in their play.  Suzy takes advantage and seduces him, but when he asks her to marry him, she is unfaithful.  Pat sees a way to take revenge.
31	6	"Parson's Pleasure"	John Bruce	Story by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Ronald Harwood	Roald Dahl	Peter John Gielgud (Cyril Boggis), Bernard Miles (Rummins), Lee Montague (Storker), Godfrey James (Claud), Irlin Hall (Lady), Harry Jones (Bert Rummins), Roger Milner (Hawkins), Virginia Clay (Housekeeper)	September 30, 1980 (1980-09-30)
A crooked antiques dealer is masquerading as a clergyman.  Claiming to be collecting old furniture, he comes across a farmer who gives him an antique piece worth a fortune.
32	7	"The Stinker"	Alan Gibson	Story by: Julian Symons Dramatisation by: Julian Bond	TBA	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)	December 7, 1980 (1980-12-07)
Millionaire Jack Cutler runs into Harold Tinker: a boy he used to bully at school.  Cutler gives the reluctant Tinker a job.  Tinker, however, suspects that Cutler is having an affair with his wife.
33	8	"I'll Be Seeing You"	Philip Dudley	Story by: Robert Quigley Dramatisation by: Julian Bond	TBA	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)	December 14, 1980 (1980-12-14)
Roland Trent, husband of a millionairess, is having an affair with a young woman who is almost blind.  Leaving his rich wife will leave him penniless; he thinks of a way to have both the money and his mistress.
34	9	"The Party"	Giles Foster	Story by: Doug Morgan Dramatisation by: Chaim Bermant	TBA	Raymond Francis (Pelham), 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)	December 19, 1980 (1980-12-19)
Harry Knox, manager of a toy factory for 40 years is uneasy when the company is taken over.  As he's organising the Christmas party, another staff member arranges a staff disco ahead of his.  Enraged, Knox sets fire to the party venue, only to find that he has made a terrible mistake.

Season 4 (1981)

Seventeen episodes.  First broadcast: Sundays and a Saturday on ITV – 5 April to 26 July and 26 December 1981

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Introduced by	Cast	Original air date
35	1	"Would You Believe It?"	Barry Davies	Story by: Robert Edmond Alter Dramatisation by: Julian Bond	TBA	Nigel Havers (Miller), Richard Johnson (Tanner), Christopher Blake (Israeli Officer), Tony Alleff (Hassin), Vic Tablian (Arab Officer), Albert Moses (Arab Patrolman), Ali Baba (Arab Digger), Paul Satvender (Arab Digger), Tapan Ghosh (Arab Digger), Raj Digger (Arab Digger)	April 5, 1981 (1981-04-05)
While on a dig in Jordan, two archaeologists discover a statue of a woman.  They hide it in their van and smuggle it out of the country.  When they reach their destination, they find it has been dissolved by rain.
36	2	"Vicious Circle"	Philip Dudley	Story by: Donald Honig Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	TBA	Patrick Field (Rex Tobin), Siobhán McKenna (Mrs Grady), Lesley Goldie (Mrs Jackson), Graham Weston (Police Superintendent), Kenneth Hadley (Plain-Clothes Policeman), Roger Evans (Policeman), Forbes Collins (Policeman)	April 12, 1981 (1981-04-12)
An elderly woman catches a thief in the act at her home.  She befriends the young man and attempts to set him on the straight and narrow.
37	3	"The Boy who Talked with Animals"	Alan Gibson	Story by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	TBA	Paul Spurrier (David), Stuart Whitman (Sam Jenner), David Buck (David's Father), John Nettleton (Graham Edwards, Hotel Manager), Robert Arden (Berners), John Wyman (Denzil), Mel Taylor (Fisherman), Tony Osoba (Policeman), Amanda Kemp (Denzil's Girlfriend), Oscar James (Fisherman), William Hootkins (Harry Chester), Vivien Heilbron (David's Mother), Astley Harvey (John), Jeffrey Gardiner (Guest), Geoffrey Cousins (Geoffrey), Alison Coleridge (Mildred Berners), Mary Laine (Mary), David Rhule (Fisherman), Steve Margo (Fisherman), Leon Burton (Fisherman), Martin Island (Policeman), Christopher Gilbert (Barman), Emmanuel Josiah (Waiter), Nik Abraham (Waiter), Carl Campbell (Waiter)	April 19, 1981 (1981-04-19)
While on holiday in Jamaica, young David persuades his father to buy a giant turtle captured by fishermen so that it can be released.  When both boy and turtle disappear, an American man, Jenner, gets caught up in the adventure.
38	4	"The Best of Everything"	John Bruce	Story by: Stanley Ellin Dramatisation by: Denis Cannan	TBA	Judi Bowker (Ann Horton), Michael Kitchen (Arthur), Jeremy Clyde (Charlie Prince), Rachel Kempson (Mrs Marsh), Brewster Mason (Horton), David Arlen (White Postman), Carl Andrews (Black Postman), Andrew MacLachlan (Metal Dealer), Peter Bartle (Metal Dealer), Judy Liebert (Metal Dealer), Richard Barnes (Metal Dealer)	April 26, 1981 (1981-04-26)
Arthur, a junior office clerk, is smitten with his rich boss's daughter, Ann, but is too shy to ask her out because he is poor.  A new friend, Charlie Prince, will help him to act rich in return for sharing a room.  Arthur doesn't play fair with Charlie, but fate plays fair with Arthur.
39	5	"A Woman's Help"	Bert Salzman	Story by: Henry Slesar Dramatisation by: Bert Salzman	TBA	Anthony Franciosa (Arnold Bourdon), Shirley Knight-Temple (Elizabeth Bourdon), Deborah Geffner (Miss Greco), Annie McGreevey (Nurse), Imogene Bliss (Mother), Ian Martin (Dr Ivey), Raymond Thorne (Gardener)	May 3, 1981 (1981-05-03)
Arnold is financially dependent on his rich, older wife, but is having an affair.  He devises a plan to kill his wife in order to get her money and remarry.
40	6	"Shatterproof"	John Jacobs	Story by: Jack Ritchie Dramatisation by: Pat Hoddinott	TBA	Eli Wallach (Gerry Williams), Anthony Pullen Shaw (Smith), Caroline Langrishe (Ellen), Godfrey Talbot (Emerson), Bridget McConnel (Mrs Emerson)	May 10, 1981 (1981-05-10)
Property millionaire Gerry Williams has a beautiful wife, but she no longer loves him.  An assassin is hired, but he soon becomes friendly with Gerry.
41	7	"The Sound Machine"	John Gorrie	Written by: Roald Dahl Dramatisation by: Ronald Harwood	TBA	James Warwick (Dr Scott), Harry Andrews (Klausner), Margery Mason (Mrs Saunders)	May 17, 1981 (1981-05-17)
A botanist has invented a machine that translates the sound of plants into speech.  What he hears gives him a shock.
42	8	"Never Speak Ill of the Dead"	John Gorrie	Written by: John Collier Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	TBA	Warren Clarke (Bob Streeter), Colin Blakely (Dr David Rankin), Cheryl Hall (Irene Rankin), Keith Drinkel (Sim Hoskins), Brian Osborne (Police Sergeant)	May 24, 1981 (1981-05-24)
Irene, the wife of a country doctor, has a reputation for promiscuity.  She again becomes the subject of gossip when she disappears.  Soon, speculation begins to grow that her husband has murdered her and buried her in the cellar. Remake of "De Mortuis," Alfred Hitchcock Presents (S2E3, 14 October 1956), starring Robert Emhardt.
43	9	"The Best Policy"	Ray Danton	Story by: Ferenc Molnár Dramatisation by: David Scott Milton	TBA	Gary Burghoff (Harry Flock), Deborah Harmon (Daisy Flock), Logan Ramsey (Philbert), William Boyett (Simpson), Edward Grover (Bailout), Robert Casper (Wheatley), Penelope Gillette (Mrs Runion), Damian London (Grunge), Tad Horino (Coroner)	May 31, 1981 (1981-05-31)
Harry Flock is promoted to the position of bank manager due to his meticulous approach to work.  The bank's head office, however, gets a tip-off that Flock is embezzling money, but there is no evidence.
44	10	"The Last Bottle in the World"	John Gorrie	Story by: Stanley Ellin Dramatisation by: Denis Cannan	TBA	Anthony Quayle (Kyros Kassoulas), Gary Bond (Max de Marechall), Nigel Hawthorne (Charles Drummond), Lynette Davies (Sophie Kassoulas), Neville Phillips (Waiter), Carlos Douglas (Assistant Chef), Pat Lewis (Miss Pym), Claude Le Saché (Waiter)	June 7, 1981 (1981-06-07)
Kyros Kassoulas is planning a meal for his wedding anniversary.  He buys an expensive bottle of Claret for the occasion, but he is fully aware that his wife is being unfaithful.
45	11	"Kindly Dig Your Grave"	Alan Gibson	Story by: Stanley Ellin Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	TBA	Micheline Presle (Madame La Grue), Celia Gregory (Fatima), Robert H. Thomson (Graham MacKenzie), Gerard Lartigau (Henri), Alan Gifford (Edward), Helen Horton (Martha)	June 14, 1981 (1981-06-14)
A commercial art gallery in Paris is run by the unscrupulous Madame La Grue, who is exploiting the artists she employs.  She soon realises that she has met her match, however, when one of her artists falls in love with the model he is painting.
46	12	"Completely Foolproof"	John Jacobs	Story by: Robert Arthur Jr. Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	TBA	Telly Savalas (Joe Brisson), Rita Gam (Lisa), Ramsay Williams (Howard Duncombe), Belinda Mayne (Anna Kleiber), Linda Liles (Miss Graham), Douglas Lambert (Harrington)	June 21, 1981 (1981-06-21)
Joe Brisson, a self-made millionaire, has a number of enemies—including his wife.  Joe plans to murder his wife as he has become bored with her.
47	13	"There's One Born Every Minute"	Philip Dudley	Story by: Bill Pronzini Dramatisation by: Chaim Bermant	TBA	Frank Finlay (Arthur Pearson), Heather Sears (Margaret Pearson), Peter Copley (Man at Railway Station), Andrew Burt (Edward), Jo Rowbottom (Joy), Deryck Guyler (Commissionaire), Kevin Brennan (Grimshaw), Allan Mitchell (Detective Sergeant)	June 28, 1981 (1981-06-28)
Arthur and Margaret Pearson live a quiet, middle-aged life.  When Margaret inherits some money, Arthur decides to invest it in a property scheme.  This, however, proves the turning point in their relationship.
48	14	"Bosom Friends"	Graham Evans	Story by: Dana Lyon Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	TBA	Rachel Kempson (Nell), Joan Greenwood (Emma), Nat Jackley (Deacon), Aaron Shirley (Brown), Patricia Browning (Ward Sister)	July 5, 1981 (1981-07-05)
Nell and Emma are old school friends who meet up again for the first time in years.  Eventually, Emma moves in with Nell.  It turns out however that Emma is penniless and is happy to drag Nell down with her.
49	15	"A Glowing Future"	John Peyser	Story by: Ruth Rendell Dramatisation by: Ross Thomas	TBA	John Beck (Jack), Joanna Pettet (Betsy), Bill Lavoie (Removal Man)	July 19, 1981 (1981-07-19)
Betsy and Jack are long-term lovers who live together.  Jack, however, has fallen in love with another woman in Australia and plans to marry her.  Betsy becomes enraged as he packs his things to move away, which includes a lot of her possessions.
50	16	"The Way to Do It"	Alan Gibson	Story by: Jack Ritchie Dramatisation by: Denis Cannan	TBA	Andrew Ray (Roger Carson), Elaine Paige (Suzie), Elizabeth Spriggs (Aunt May), Sarah Webb (Jackie), Martin Benson (Vasco), Annie Leon (Miss Stevens), Forbes Collins (Commissionaire), Andrew MacLachlan (Police Sergeant), Genevieve Allenbury (Croupier), Philip Hatton (Croupier Thug), Dennis Masuki (Croupier), Barbie Denham (Croupier), Ann Coombs (Croupier), Trisha Clarke (Croupier)	July 26, 1981 (1981-07-26)
Roger Carson is eager to get away from the clutches of his domineering Aunt May and takes up gambling.  While at the casino, he falls for a hostess, Suzie.  The casino manager has a score to settle with the Carsons, however.
51	17	"Hijack"	Herbert Wise	Story by: Robert L. Fish Dramatisation by: Denis Cannan	TBA	Simon Cadell (Co-pilot), Michael Craig (Hijacker), Suzanne Danielle (Millie), Denis Quilley (Captain Waterhouse), Sean Barrett (Steward), Peter Tuddenham (Airport Security Officer), Matthew Long (Second Security Officer), Richard Foxton (Security Guard), John Graham (Scottish Passenger), William Merrow (German Passenger), Neville Phillips (English Passenger), Douglas Lambert (American Passenger), Helen Horton (American Passenger)	December 26, 1981 (1981-12-26)
On board an aeroplane, a hijacker takes a stewardess hostage and demands a million dollars and a parachute.  The captain tries to deal with the situation and grants him his wish.  Inspired by the 1971 D. B. Cooper incident.

Season 5 (1982)

Eighteen episodes.  First broadcast: Sundays on ITV – 25 April to 22 August 1982

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Introduced by	Cast	Original air date
52	1	"Blue Marigold"	Giles Foster	Story by: Aileen Wheeler Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	TBA	Edward Jewesbury (Psychiatrist), Stephen Bent (Car Dealer), Ralph Bates (Paul Foster), Sharon Duce (Sophie Trent), Helen Fraser (Beryl), Toyah Willcox (Marigold), Billy Hamon (Bryan Sabotier), Paul Seed (Director of Commercial)	April 25, 1982 (1982-04-25)
Marigold is a top model much in demand until her temperamental nature takes over.  She loses her contracts and winds up in a mental home.  Released years later, she plans a comeback.
53	2	"The Eavesdropper"	John Gorrie	Story by: Ruth Wissmann Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	TBA	Michael Craig (Donald Henderson), Dorothy Tutin (Moira Henderson), Sheila Ruskin (Louise), Bernice Stegers (Kaye), Rosalyn Elvin (Waitress), Ronnie Stevens (Jeweller), Neil Daglish (Young Man), Lill Roughley (Blonde Girl)	May 2, 1982 (1982-05-02)
Happily married Donald and Moira are out shopping for a new watch as a gift for Moira.  While there, Moira overhears a conversation between two women about a married man one of them is seeing.  She soon realises it must be Donald about whom they are talking.
54	3	"Operation Safecrack"	Alan Gibson	Story by: Henry Slesar Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	TBA	John Mills (Sam Morrissey), June Ritchie (Jenny Morrissey), David Healy (Jack Harrison), Edward Burnham (Henry Bliss), Eliza Buckingham (Reporter & Voice of Stewardess), Rachel Laurence (Hilda), David Hanson (Winford Stark), Jason Norman (Billy Thompson), Richard Everett (Television Director), Nick Diprose (Floor Manager)	May 9, 1982 (1982-05-09)
On behalf of a company that designs safes, an advertising executive hires Sam Morrissey, an ex-safe cracker, to break into one of their safes with the promise of £25,000 if he is successful.
55	4	"Run Rabbit Run"	John Jacobs	Story by: John Bakkenhoven Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	TBA	Leslie Caron (Nathalie Vareille), James Aubrey (Robert Simpson), Constantine Gregory (Hector Vareille), Bernadette Windsor (Young Girl)	May 16, 1982 (1982-05-16)
After World War II, a U. S. Army interpreter was stationed in Paris, staying at the house of the bully Hector and downtrodden Nathalie.  Ten years later, he returns to the house and meets Nathalie, but Hector is mysteriously absent.
56	5	"Stranger in Town"	Wendy Toye	Story by: Sidney Carroll	TBA	Jean Kitson (Secretary), Bruce Clark (The Boy), Jennifer Connelly (The Girl), Clive Swift (Latham), Robbie MacNab (Hotel Receptionist), Stuart Howard (News-stand boy), Giles Phibbs (Foreman), Derek Jacobi (Sir Columbus)	May 23, 1982 (1982-05-23)
A man going by the name of Sir Columbus dresses and acts like a clown, endearing himself to the local community.  While there, he enters a business premises and reveals to the boss who he really is.
57	6	"The Moles"	Peter Hammond	Story by: J. J. Maling Dramatisation by: Chaim Bermant	TBA	Fulton Mackay (Edward Boyle), Bill Owen (Meakins), Harry H. Corbett (George Balsam), Joe Gladwin (Heeney), Avril Elgar (Thelma Boyle)	May 30, 1982 (1982-05-30)
Two businessmen on the verge of bankruptcy devise a plan to rob a bank.  With the help of an experienced criminal, they dig a tunnel to reach the bank's vault.
58	6	"Decoy"	John Jacobs	Story by: Victor Edwards Dramatisation by: Chaim Bermant	TBA	Susan Penhaligon (W. P. C. Mary Bryan), Tim Woodward (Anthony Burton), Paul Antrim (Mike), Ian MacKenzie (Police Draughtsman), Harold Reese (Pathologist), Ian Redford (Detective Sergeant Harvey), Tom Cotcher (Detective Sergeant Talbot), Frank Wylie (Chief Inspector McLintock)	June 6, 1982 (1982-06-06)
Police Officer Mary Bryan goes undercover to investigate a serial killer.  The killer has murdered a number of women in the city and Officer Bryan sets up an ambush.
59	7	"Pattern of Guilt"	Herbert Wise	Story by: Helen Nielsen Dramatisation by: Robin Chapman	TBA	Peter Egan (Keith Briscoe), Suzanne Danielle (Elaine Briscoe), Jennie Linden (Faye Briscoe), Andrew Manson (Young Man), Harry Webster (Old Man), Bernard Kay (Detective Sergeant Jim Gordon), Andrew Hilton (Plain Clothes Police Officer), Brett Forrest (Gerald), Neil Hutchings (Mark Briscoe), Darren Michael (John Briscoe)	June 13, 1982 (1982-06-13)
Keith Briscoe, a police pathologist, has fallen out of love with his second wife and wants to get back with his first, Faye.  While working on an investigation into a serial killer, he asks Faye to act as a decoy.
60	8	"A Harmless Vanity"	Giles Foster	Story by: Theda O'Henle Dramatisation by: Jeremy Paul	TBA	Keith Barron (George Hitchman), Phoebe Nicholls (Carol), Sheila Gish (Mary Hitchman), Suzanne Worsley (Girl lover), Colin Farrell (Dave Ferguson), Michael Nagel (Lifeguard), Carol MacReady (Liz Ferguson), Chas Bryer (Frogman), Michael Speake (Television Announcer)	June 20, 1982 (1982-06-20)
A woman is tipped off by a friend that her husband is having an affair.  She is reluctant to believe it but sets up a meeting with this woman at a beach party.
61	9	"Death Can Add"	Graham Evans	Story by: Philip Ketchum Dramatisation by: Johnny Byrne	TBA	Geoffrey Chater (James Hamilton), Frank Gatliff (Thomas Keyes), Jan Francis (Leila Graham), Michael N. Harbour (Oliver Platt), Roland Culver (Sir Alex Bullen), Ian Holm (Alan Corwin)	June 27, 1982 (1982-06-27)
Alan Corwin, an auditor in a city investment firm, is approached by Oliver Platt, another member of the firm, to cover up his use of company money.  For a price, he agrees, but Corwin's secretary and girlfriend is ignorant to the arrangement.
62	10	"Light Fingers"	John Peyser	Story by: Henry Slesar Dramatisation by: Ross Thomas	TBA	Frank Sinatra Jr. (Cotter), Janet Leigh (Joan Stackpole), Tom Bosley (Ralph Stackpole), Kenneth Tigar (Semple), Penelope Gillette (Gladys Miton)	July 4, 1982 (1982-07-04)
Joan and Ralph live a quiet life.  Ralph is concerned, though, when thefts begin to occur at his glove factory.  Eventually, he hires a private detective to catch the culprit.
63	11	"Death in the Morning"	John Gorrie	Story by: Zia Kruger Dramatisation by: John Gorrie	TBA	Cherie Lunghi (Karen Masterson), Moray Watson (Sir Ian Masterson), Carol Drinkwater (Linda Larch), Alan Rowe (Duncan Larch), Hilary Mason (Mrs Pardoe), Richard Austin (Paul Masterson), John Stamp (Williams)	July 11, 1982 (1982-07-11)
Sir Ian Masterson, a rich landowner, marries Karen.  Upon moving into the house, Karen has an uneasy feeling and confides in their neighbour that the place is haunted.

Title	Episode	First aired	Writer(s)	Director
What Have You Been up to Lately?	64	18 July 1982	George Baxt Denis Cannan	Herbert Wise
Two old actor friends meet up for the first time in 25 years. They ponder the fact that neither of them have been successful in their career or life and reminisce about a girl they both had a crush on.
Cast: Maggie Fitzgibbon (Melissa Mellor), Peter Barkworth (Richard Mellor), Benjamin Whitrow (Fergus Locke), June Watson (Audrey Locke), Fanny Rowe (Actress), Angela Harding (Cathleen)
The Absence of Emily	65	25 July 1982	Jack Ritchie Denis Cannan	Alan Gibson John Rosenberg
Norma has inherited a large estate and allows her sister Emily and brother-in-law Bob to live there. Emily disappears and Norma believes that Bob has killed her for an insurance pay out. She and a detective investigate.
Cast: Anthony Valentine (Bob), Frances Tomelty (Norma), Susan Tracy (Emily), Patsy Byrne (Jean), Patrick McAlinney (Landlord), William Moore (Crisp), Derek Anders (Goff), Diana King (Ruth)
In the Bag	66	1 August 1982	Robert L. Fish Bert Salzman	Bert Salzman
Cara is determined to get back her family jewels, which have been hidden away in a safe. Hiring a safe cracker, she goes along with him undercover.
Cast: Edward Albert (Sam), Terry O'Quinn (Cop), Lou Jacobi (Waiter), Roxanne Hart (Cara), Michael A. Candela (Gardener)
A Man with a Fortune	67	8 August 1982	Peter Lovesey Alan Seymour	Herbert Wise
American John Smith is visiting England to track down his family roots. While in London, he meets up with two girls who befriend him.
Cast: Shane Rimmer (John Smith), Cyd Hayman (Janet Murdoch), Elizabeth Richardson (Eva), Peter Tuddenham (Tommy), Donald Eccles (Vicar), Nigel Greaves (Waiter), Jean Kitson (Clerk)
Who's Got the Lady?	68	15 August 1982	Jack Ritchie Jeremy Paul	Peter Hammond
An art gallery owner has received a priceless work of art on loan. He sets up a robbery with a supposed fake being put in its place. He then gets his girlfriend to make a copy of the painting in order to sell it as the real thing.
Cast: Timothy Carlton (Walter Jameson), Gladys Spencer (Old Lady), Richard Johnson (Parnell), Robert Beatty (Amos Pulver), Victoria Tennant (Bernice), Vincent Wong (Japanese Art Collector), Michael Forrest (Detective Chief Superintendent Nelson), Neil Daglish (Heath), Laurence Payne (Hollingwood), Peter Howell (Louis Kendall), Olivier Pierre (Andre Arnaud)
The Skeleton Key	69	22 August 1982	Graham Sutton Roy Russell	Alan Gibson
Max, an arrogant young man plans a holiday with his girlfriend Emma, but he needs an emergency operation beforehand. Andy, a kind-hearted radiologist at the hospital builds up a friendship with Emma. Max is being very bad tempered and so she finds she has a decision to make.
Cast: Julie Dawn Cole (Emma), John Duttine (Max), Peter Jeffrey (Stewart), Peter Machin (Andy), Tony Osoba (Dr Hartley)

Season 6 (1983)

Fourteen episodes.  First broadcast: Saturdays and a Sunday on ITV – 9 April to 16 July 1983

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Introduced by	Cast	Original air date
70	1	"A Passing Opportunity"	Graham Evans	Story by: Donald Honig Adaptation by: Alan Seymour	TBA	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)	April 9, 1983 (1983-04-09)
Frank Jesmond and Peter Madison are former schoolmates with very different lives.  Jesmond is tough but broke while Madison is rich and successful.  Jesmond is desperate for money, but Madison wants to see how desperate.

Title	Episode	First aired	Writer(s)	Director
The Memory Man	71	16 April 1983	Henry Slesar Denis Cannan	Peter Duffell
Coln Mearns has a gift for memory, but is struggling financially. Advertising to teach his methods, he is met by a shady character who is desperate to remember the combination of a locker. Mearns soon becomes curious to what the locker contains.
Cast: Judy Geeson (Mary), Colin Blakely (Colin Mearns), Bernard Cribbins (Charlie Krebs & Mr King), Johnny Vyvyan (Small Man), John Biggerstaff (Tobacconist), John Judd (Police Inspector)
A Sad Loss	72	23 April 1983	Patricia Moyes James Andrew Hall	John Gorrie
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)
Clerical Error	73	30 April 1983	Peter Ransley James Gould Cozzens Richard Huggett	Graham Evans
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.
Cast: David Webb (Ronnie Carey), Richard Pearson (Michael Carey), Evelyn Laye (Mrs Standing), Hugh Fraser (Paul Standing)
Heir Presumptuous	74	7 May 1983	C.B. Gilford Ross Thomas	Philip Leacock
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.
Cast: Royce D. Applegate (Deputy Eddie Ream), Tara Buckman (Sally Fenton), David Cassidy (Donald and David), Ann Doran (Mary Deacon), Darren McGavin (Sheriff Milt Singleton), Robert Snively (George Devon)
Where's Your Sense of Humour?	75	14 May 1983	Peter Ransley Patricia McGerr	Leonard Lewis
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)
Down Among the Sheltering Palms	76	21 May 1983	John Gorrie	John Gorrie
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.
Cast: Geoffrey Bayldon (Sid), Anne Carroll (Lena), Margaret Courtenay (Marge), Christopher Fulford (Bill), Gabrielle Hamilton (Doris), Van Johnson (Gerry T. Armstrong), Barry McCarthy (Jeff), Vanessa Paine (Carol)
The Vorpal Blade	77	28 May 1983	Edward D. Hoch Robin Chapman	John Jacobs
Von Baden recalls a murder from fifty years ago at Heidelberg, Germany. But, he has kept a secret ever since about 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)
The Wrong'Un	78	11 June 1983	Michael Brett Paul Ableman	Leonard Lewis
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.
Cast: Andrew Ray (Cranmer Oakes), Richard Foxton (Assistant Manager), Constantine Gregory (Helmut Kohler Weinrich), Lucy Gutteridge (Molly), Elspeth March (Mrs Carson), Daragh O'Malley (Jimmy), Graham Weston (Business man), Carrie Lee Baker (Sally, the maid), Alpana Sen Gupta (Cynthia)
The Luncheon	79	19 June 1983	Jeffrey Archer Gerald Savory	Graham Evans
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 aren't 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)
The Tribute	80	25 June 1983	Jane Gardam Alan Seymour	Graham Evans
Three English ladies hear about the death of an acquaintance of theirs. They decide against putting a notice in the newspaper but invite the woman's 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 (Youth)
Hit and Run	81	2 July 1983	Patricia Moyes Robin Chapman	Peter Hammond
Roger Ashburn, a young doctor is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, but, she doesn't feel the same way. He arranges a dinner party with some of his friends, but, she disappears afterwards. Roger is desperately worried, but, there is a surprise in store.
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)
Youth from Vienna	82	9 July 1983	John Collier Ross Thomas	Norman Lloyd
Caroline Coates is promoted in her role as television news reporter, but is worried that she won't last if her looks start to go. She is admired by a man who has come up with a formula for an anti-ageing process.
Cast: Sharon Gless (Caroline Coates), Dick Smothers (Dr Humphrey Baxter), James Carroll Jordan (Alan Brodie), Ellen Geer (Stella Archer), Elliott Reid (Dick Archer)
The Turn of the Tide	83	16 July 1983	C. S. Forester Ross Thomas	Ray Danton
A lawyer is planning the perfect murder of an enemy of his. He plans meticulously, but there is one thing he's overlooked.
Cast: Richard Basehart (Slade), Gretchen Corbett (Martha), Nicholas Hormann (Spalding)

Season 7 (1984)

Fifteen episodes.  First broadcast: Saturdays and Sundays on ITV – 12 May to 21 October 1984

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Introduced by	Cast	Original air date
84	1	"The Dirty Detail"	Leo Penn	Story by: Henry Slesar Adaptation by: David Scott Milton	TBA	Jenny O'Hara (Ruth Pearson), George Peppard (Sergeant Guedo), Vincent Howard (Detective), Ted Gehring (Bartender), Tom Finnegan (Barfly), Kevin Dobson (Fred Pearson)	May 12, 1984 (1984-05-12)
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.

Title	Episode	First aired	Writer(s)	Director
The Best Chess Player in the World	85	19 May 1984	Julian Symons Peter Ransley	Graham Williams Graham Evans
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)
Proxy	86	26 May 1984	Talmage Powell Bert Salzman
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.
Cast: Barbara Bolton (Mrs Sutton), Lois Smith (Sara), Tom Smothers (William), Patrick O'Neal (Sutton), Malachy McCourt (Judge), Joanne Lara (Maria), Larry Keith (Grenich)
Have a Nice Death	87	2 June 1984	Antonia Fraser Wolf Mankowitz	William Slater
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 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)
Number Eight	88	9 June 1984	Jack Ritchie Ross Thomas	Leo Penn
A driver picks up a hitchhiker. They hear on the radio that a serial killer is on the loose. The driver quickly realises that the description exactly matches that of his passenger.
Cast: Dennis Christopher (Driver), Brad Dourif (Hitch-hiker), Kathleen Doyle (Ann), Will Hare (Old Man)
The Last of the Midnight Gardners	89	16 June 1984	Tony Wilmot Gerald Savory	Peter Hammond
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.
Cast: Jane Asher (Jane Oats), Forbes Collins (Inspector), Celia Gregory (Edna Tewsland), Patrick Mower (Walter Oats), Jim Norton (Dr. Mellish), Panos Alexander (Steward)
The Gift of Beauty	90	30 June 1984	Joseph Dougherty Bert Salzman	Bert Salzman
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-ageing process known as the Gift of Beauty.
Cast: Carol Lynley (Elizabeth), MacKenzie Allen (Ray), Randall Edwards (Rebecca)
Wet Saturday	91	7 July 1984	John Collier	Norman Lloyd
George Princey has a high standing in the community and when his daughter kills a man he endeavours to cover up to prevent him facing a scandal.
Cast: Ed Begley Jr. (George Princey), Fritz Weaver (Princey), Mary Sinclair (Mrs Princey), Charles Hallahan (Jack Lowry)
Sauce for the Goose	92	21 July 1984	Patricia Highsmith Bert Salzman	Bert Salzman
Olivia starts a relationship with a younger man on the basis that she's killed her husband and gained his fortune. Her lover however still sees himself as a free agent and has an affair with another woman.
Cast: Gloria Grahame (Olivia), Robert Morse (Stephen Shaw), Lisa Dunsheath (Gloria)
Bird of Prey	93	4 August 1984	John Collier Ross Thomas	Ray Danton
Jack and Edna's parrot lays a large, oversized egg. The parrot dies and 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.
Cast: Sondra Locke (Edna), Frank Converse (Jack), Charles Hallahan (Charlie)
I Like it Here in Wilmington	94	11 August 1984	Henry Slesar David Scott Milton	John Peyser
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 in order to collect the insurance money.
Cast: Tom Smothers (Marvin Castlemore), Susan Strasberg (Roberta Elton), Janet Leigh, Robert Loggia (Harry Elton), Wendy Austin (Cissy)
Accidental Death	95	19 August 1984	Denis Cannan Tony Wilmot	Peter Duffell
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.
Cast: Andrew Ray (Steve Jeffries), Lynsey Baxter (Jane), Cyril Cusack (Percy Hampton), Tamara Ustinov (Beryl), Giles Phibbs (Farmer), Bryan Matheson (Husband in Bar), Yvonne Marsh (Policewoman), Ruth Kettlewell (Wife in Bar), John Hug (Arthur), Jacqueline Hill (Mrs Milvain), Ian Flintoff (Doctor), Jason Carter (Youth at Yacht Club)
The Reconciliation	96	16 September 1984	Nicholas Monsarrat Roy Russell	John Jacobs
James has walked out on his wife, who still loves him. His lawyer advises him that it may be difficult to get a divorce 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 & voice of Jenny), Anna Maria Macchi (Sandra Marino)
The Mugger	97	14 October 1984
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)
The Open Window	98	21 October 1984		Christopher Lukas
At a hunting lodge in Connecticut, a young man climbs through the window. However, when he emerges the other side he finds himself in a strange new world, unlike anything he's ever seen before.
Cast: Michael Conforti (Stanley), Valerie Mahaffey (Jane), Richard Dow (Gregory), Richard Marr (Vernon), Michael Galloway (Stuart), Dina Merrill (Marjorie)

Season 8 (1985)

Four episodes.  First broadcast: 1 Saturday and 3 Sundays on ITV – 30 March and 14 to 28 July 1985

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Introduced by	Cast	Original air date
99	1	"People Don't Do Such Things"	Gordon Hessler	Story by: Ruth Rendell Dramatisation by: Ross Thomas	TBA	Jay Varela (Sergeant Demmer), Don Johnson (Reeve Baker), Arthur Hill (Terence Carter), Samantha Eggar (Gwen Carter), Denise Galik (Melanie Todd)	March 30, 1985 (1985-03-30)
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.
100	2	"In the Cards"	John Peyser	Story by: John Collier Dramatisation by: Ross Thomas & A. A. Roberts	TBA	Kenneth Tigar (Merrifield), Elaine Giftos (Grace), Susan Strasberg (Madame Myra), Max Gail (Charlie)	July 14, 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.
101	3	"Nothin' Short of Highway Robbery"	John Peyser	Story by: Lawrence Block Dramatisation by: Luther Murdoch	TBA	Jennifer Holmes (Marcie), Bud Cort (Newt), Bettye Ackerman (Ruby), Warren Oates (Harry)	July 21, 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 to be told that their car is in need of extensive repair.  They agree to stay for a meal while the mechanic works on it.
102	4	"Scrimshaw"	Dezsö Magyar	Story by: Brian Garfield Dramatisation by: Bernard N. Eismann	TBA	Claude Anagram (The Bartender), Saw 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)	July 28, 1985 (1985-07-28)
Brenda is a lonely alcoholic living in Florida.  Her life is turned around when an old friend, Eric, turns up.

Season 9 (1987–1988)

Ten episodes.  First broadcast: Fridays on ITV – 18 December 1987 to 29 January 1988 and 15 April to 13 May 1988

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Introduced by	Cast	Original air date
103	1	"Skeleton in the Cupboard"	Paul Annett	Tony Wilmott	TBA	Francesca Brill (Jane Fisher), Charles Dance (Robert Smythe), Philip Dunbar (Henry Traile), Zoë Wanamaker (Margaret Smythe), Matthew Jones (Man on the Phone)	December 18, 1987 (1987-12-18)
Robert Smythe has a dark secret he has kept for twenty years, but it has now come back to haunt him.  He endeavours to keep it a secret from his wife, but she is growing suspicious.

Title	Episode	First aired	Writer(s)	Director
The Colonel's Lady	104	8 January 1988	Somerset Maugham Denis Cannan	Barry Davis
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 that she writes about.
Cast: Joss Ackland (Colonel George Peregrine), Paul Williamson (Harry), Gareth Thomas (Telfer), Anna Nicholas (Irina Stefanopoulos), Dennis Matsuki (Manservant), Carol Leader (Daphne), John Horsley (Giles Rowley), Rupert Frazer (Basil Dashwood), Kate Emma Davies (Clio Stefanopoulos), Allan Corduner (Hatchard's Bookshop Assistant), Pauline Collins (Eve K. Hamilton-Peregrine)
The Surgeon	105	15 January 1988	Roald Dahl	Graham Evans
Doctor Robert Sandy receives a huge diamond from a grateful patient – an Eastern Prince. Robert is eager to sell it for money, but, his death follows his greed.
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)
The Verger	106	22 January 1988	Denis Cannan Somerset Maugham	Rodney Bennett
The Dobsons have been serving their Parish Church for years, but when a new Vicar arrives he changes things radically. They move away and start a new life, but, in the process, a secret that the Dobsons have been keeping comes to light.
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)
The Facts of Life	107	29 January 1988	Somerset Maugham Noella Smith	John Gorrie
Nicholas is a keen amateur fencer but is held back by his inexperience. He makes it through to a national fencing competition in London, but he has never been outside of his village or away from his parents.
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)
Wink Three Times	108	15 April 1988	John Charters Paul Ableman	Paul Annett
Jeremy Tyler, a shy solicitor is staying at a London hotel on a business trip. While there, he is mistaken for another man by a woman on a blind date.
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)
The Dead Don't Steal	109	22 April 1988	Ella Griffiths Robin Chapman	John Glenister
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 the body, but then, he gets 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)
The Finger of Suspicion	110	29 April 1988	Tony Wilmot Robin Chapman	Rodney Bennett
Steve Baker is married to a beautiful Arab woman and they live happily in a Middle Eastern country. Then, Steve's past comes back to haunt him as he is charged with a crime.
Cast: Michael Brandon (Stephen Baker), Lucy Gutteridge (Soroya), Stefan Kalipha (Chief Inspector Aziz), Michael O'Hagan (Superintendent Burke), Nadim Sawalha (Zayid Halim), Rob Spendlove (Inspector Hook), Tony Allief (Police Sergeant), Eddie Lemare (Police Constable)
A Time to Die	111	6 May 1988	Aileen Wheeler Robin Chapman	Paul Annett
Yves Drouard is busy trying to keep his wife and young mistress happy. Things become further complicated when his mistress tells him she is pregnant.
Cast: Mike McKenzie (Pianist), David Suchet (Yves Drouard), Nina Van Pallandt (Marthe Drouard), Sarah-Jane Varley (Lucie), Adam Crouch (Antoine), Paul Herzberg (Henri), Pauline Letts (Madame Cabon), Jemma Redgrave (Violette Charbonneau), Ivor Robers (Gas Inspector)
Mr Know-All	112	13 May 1988	Paul Ableman Somerset Maugham	Gareth Davies
Elly, a pretty hotel maid is seduced by a guest. He gives her a valuable statuette, which he found during an archaeological dig. Elly is sacked by the manager when he finds out about the affair, but, the manager's wife has exactly the same statuette.
Cast: Edward Wiley (Jasper Cranley), Eamonn Walker (Bates), Chaim 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 ITV3. All episodes have been released on DVD in a box-set for each series, except the 1984/85 season which were released together with the first episode of season 8.