The.Singing.Detective (1986) (Part 2)

Part 2 of 6 of Dennis Potter's acclaimed TV drama series from 1986. Still grieving from the sudden death of one of the patients, Philip agrees to see psychotherapist Dr Gibbon, but their first meeting does not go well when Gibbon tells him that the severity of his condition could be psychological. Philip decides to absorb himself into the plot for his new novel, where his character Marlow is hired by businessman Mark Finney to find a missing prostitute called Sonia, who disappeared after he brought her back to his flat. She left after she spotted two men watching the flat, but as Marlow investigates her body is later pulled naked from the river. However, as Philip emerses himself in his plot, he finds his thoughts taking him back to his childhood in the Forest of Dean, and people from his past begin to intrude into his novel... Starring Michael Gambon, Patrick Malahide, Joanna Whalley, Alison Steadman, Bill Paterson, David Ryall, Gerald Horan, Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter, Kate McKenzie, Ron Cook, George Rossi, Simon Chandler, Leslie French, Sharon D Clarke, Lyndon Davies, Janet Henfrey, Charles Simon, Mary MacLeod, Richard Butler, Maggie Holland and Joan White. This porves the pinnacle of Dennis Potter's career, praised by critics and later appreciated as a masterpiece of TV scriptwriting. Michael Gambon had been acting for years, but this made him a household name and won him a deserved TV BAFTA for his performance, which is funny, bitter, haunting and totally absorbing. Patrick Malahide also deserves praise for his multi character portrayal, whether it is as the shifty character in Philip's plot, or the singing buddy of his father in his childhood who would also prove a close friend to his mother. Please note that this is from a recording of mine, so apologies for any glitches. Also please note that this contains swearing, sex scenes and nudity. More to follow this afternoon.