The Blackheath Poisonings (1992)

Intro

A drama by Simon Raven, based on the novel by Julian Symons, and first broadcast from 7-9 December 1992 (ITV).

Running time: 3 hours (broadcast in one-hour episodes)

Photos

Overview

The Blackheath Poisonings is a murder mystery, set in the nineteenth century.

The Collards and the Vandervents, owners of a successful toy-making company, appear to be the very epitome of the respectable gentry. When their adversary, Robert Dangerfield, returns after his self-imposed exile abroad, however, his presence reawakens old rivalries and exposes long-buried secrets. Matters are not helped when he begins a relationship with Charlotte Collard.

After members of both families die in suspicious circumstances, young Paul Vandervent begins an investigation into their deaths. It soon becomes apparent that there are more revelations to come.

Cast

Christien Anholt ... Paul Vandervent

George Anton ... Dr Hassall

Ian Bartholemew ... Jenkins

Janie Booth ... Wardress

Lucy Briers ... Maid

Gabrielle Cowburn ... Hilda

James Faulkner ... Roger Vandervent

Ronald Fraser ... Dr Porter

Bob Goody ... Thompkins

Kenneth Haigh ... Sir Charles Russell

Basil Hoskins ... Napier

Dafydd Hywel ... Sgt. Davis

Colin Jeavons ... Makepeace

Christine Kavanagh ... Isabel Collard

Rosalind Knight ... Lady Reading Poetry

Patrick Malahide ... Robert Dangerfield

Douglas McFerran ... Bookie's Clerk

Ian McNeice ... George Collard

Ralph Nossek ... Family Solicitor

Judy Parfitt ... Harriet Collard

Andrew Robertson ... Landlord

Danny Schiller ... Morley

Julia St. John ... Beatrice Vandervent

Richard Strange ... Oscar Wilde

Donald Sumpter ... Insp. Titmarsh

Zoë Wanamaker ... Charlotte Collard

Nicholas Woodeson ... Bertie Williams

Crew

Director: Stuart Orme
Producer: Stephen Smallwood
Executive Producer for Central Films: Ted Childs
Executive Producer for WGBH/Boston: Rebecca Eaton
Cinematography: Dick Pope
Production Designer: Chris Edwards
Costume Designer: Jenny Beavan
Makeup: Cherry West
Music: Colin Towns

Merchandise

The Blackheath Poisonings Region 1 DVD

The Blackheath Poisonings Region 2 DVD

The Blackheath Poisonings by Julian Symons (edition of the novel published to coincide with the TV series)