The opening episode of the third series of "Thriller" set off a run of five marvelous stories. This is one of the better known ones as it received a commercial video release in 1994. All the same too few people have seen it, and they have certainly missed out, although maybe not for much longer.
Mark Walker is an attractive, charming young man who marries two older women - and then kills them. He is very clever because he disguises their deaths as tragic accidents - drowning in the bath. His only problem is the solicitor acting for the first woman, who suspects him of murder but cannot convince the police.
While visiting a health club he meets Stella, a very attractive young woman whom he pursues simply for pleasure. However he very soon is attracted by an extremely rich older widow called Angie. Everything seems to be going to Mark's plan, and it looks as if he will soon be a wealthy widower for the third time. However Mark is a hunted man, and not necessarily in the way he expects...
Almost every aspect of this production is brilliantly done. The story is captivating and features an extraordinary and very poetic climax. That climax is based, it has to be said, on a rather large plot hole but there is no doubting that it is superb to watch.
There is an array of great characters. Mark Walker is a very complex man. Obviously he is dangerous and ruthless but he does have real charm and it is clear that he is coping with a very traumatic event from his past. Late in the episode the turn of events makes us sympathies for him - a mark of fine narrative. Stella and Angie seem very different - Stella is elegant, refined and calm while Angie is loud and unattractive. However both share an independent spirit. Oliver Mason, the solicitor, impresses with his dignity,incisiveness and determination. Freddy the barman is an avuncular, very likable figure. The various other characters are very effectively done.
The acting is splendid. Michael Jayston as Mark, and Helen Mirren as Stella are the obvious candidates, with the latter especially impressive. However the supporting cast is extremely strong. Particularly worthy of mention are Michael Gwynn as Mason, Arthur English as Freddy (a very good straight performance by a comic performer) and Richard Hampton as a very steely detective. John Sichel's direction complements things perfectly.
The brilliant (if improbable) climax also has the bonus of raising a very interesting moral dilemma. A future DVD release is quite possible so hopefully you'll be able to enjoy this and try to work out that dilemma for yourself!
Mark Walker is an attractive, charming young man who marries two older women - and then kills them. He is very clever because he disguises their deaths as tragic accidents - drowning in the bath. His only problem is the solicitor acting for the first woman, who suspects him of murder but cannot convince the police.
While visiting a health club he meets Stella, a very attractive young woman whom he pursues simply for pleasure. However he very soon is attracted by an extremely rich older widow called Angie. Everything seems to be going to Mark's plan, and it looks as if he will soon be a wealthy widower for the third time. However Mark is a hunted man, and not necessarily in the way he expects...
Almost every aspect of this production is brilliantly done. The story is captivating and features an extraordinary and very poetic climax. That climax is based, it has to be said, on a rather large plot hole but there is no doubting that it is superb to watch.
There is an array of great characters. Mark Walker is a very complex man. Obviously he is dangerous and ruthless but he does have real charm and it is clear that he is coping with a very traumatic event from his past. Late in the episode the turn of events makes us sympathies for him - a mark of fine narrative. Stella and Angie seem very different - Stella is elegant, refined and calm while Angie is loud and unattractive. However both share an independent spirit. Oliver Mason, the solicitor, impresses with his dignity,incisiveness and determination. Freddy the barman is an avuncular, very likable figure. The various other characters are very effectively done.
The acting is splendid. Michael Jayston as Mark, and Helen Mirren as Stella are the obvious candidates, with the latter especially impressive. However the supporting cast is extremely strong. Particularly worthy of mention are Michael Gwynn as Mason, Arthur English as Freddy (a very good straight performance by a comic performer) and Richard Hampton as a very steely detective. John Sichel's direction complements things perfectly.
The brilliant (if improbable) climax also has the bonus of raising a very interesting moral dilemma. A future DVD release is quite possible so hopefully you'll be able to enjoy this and try to work out that dilemma for yourself!