The Charmer (1987) (Episode 4)

Part 4 of 6 of the period thriller. Now trapped in a marriage with his employer's daughter Pamela after her shock revelation, Ralph Gorse plots a way of escape as he tries to better himself. But he finds himself up against his resentful father in law Harold Bennett, who refuses to promote him in his workplace, and becomes increasingly disturbed by Donald Stimpson's digging into his background and contact with his wife. When he resumes his affair with Clarice Mannors he begins to form a money making idea in order to escape with her. But his plan goes badly - and fatally - wrong... Starring Nigel Havers, Bernard Hepton, Fiona Fullerton, Rosemary Leach, Abigail McKern, George Baker, Gillian Raine, Terence Hardiman, Andy Greenhalgh, John Bott, Andrew Bicknell, Pamela Lyne, Jason James, Graham Cull and Matthew Devitt. As with much of this, the performances lift this above the norm and this episode in particular takes a dramatic turn as Gorse becomes increasingly dangerous and unstable. A particular joy is a surprise appearance by Terence Hardiman - best remembered by kids for The Demon Headmaster - who delivers a delightfully droll and intelligent performance as a insurance agent who proves more than a match for Ralph Gorse in one particular scene that's a joy to watch. And as events begin to spiral out of Gorse's control, it makes it even more compelling wondering just where he will go next - and how far! Please note that this is a recording of mine, so apologies in advance for any glitches there may be. Hopefully this will play okay, so enjoy.