Although Roald Dahl is most famous for his children's books including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and The Twits, he was also an accomplished writer of adult fiction. Network have released the first series of this literary master's most famous and sinister adult creation adapted for TV - Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected in a two-disc set.
First transmitted on ITV1 in 1979, the programme's iconic title sequence and haunting theme tune created by prolific TV composer Ron Grainer ensured that Tales of the Unexpected would be a memorable experience for viewers. Each episode was a stand alone story and features Oscar™ winning actors such as Sir John Gielgud and Jose Ferrer and other talented performers like Joan Collins, Peter Bowles, and Brian Blessed. Each episode had a 'twist in the tale' which not only entertained but more often than not also enthralled and shocked the public, making Tales of the Unexpected the water cooler TV programme of its day. Sometimes shocking but always surprising, Tales of the Unexpected the Complete First Series contains all nine episodes from the programme's first run, and there is a promise of further series to come later in the year.
The set has a running time of approximately 225 minutes and an RRP of £19.99.
| Episode Title | Synopsis | Original Tx. Date |
|---|---|---|
| Man from the South | The flamboyant stranger goads a young sailor into taking a frightening bet while on holiday in Jamaica. The stakes are high. He could
win an expensive car or lose a finger. What will be the outcome of this gruesome gamble, and who is the mysterious woman with a
macabre secret? Starring Pamela Stephenson, Jose Ferrer and Cyril Luckham Dramatised by Kevin Goldstein-Jackson Directed by Michael Tuchner | 24.3.79 |
| Mrs. Bixby and the Colonel's Coat | Mrs Bixby has been having an affair with a wealthy retired hunting colonel. When the colonel decides to end the affair, he gives her a
beautiful mink coat. But how can she explain the gift to her husband without arousing his suspicions? Starring Julie Harris, Michael Hordern and Richard Greene Dramatised by Ronald Harwood Directed by Simon Langton | 31.3.79 |
| William and Mary | Mary is the bossed and bullied wife of William, a brilliant but dominating academic. Even after his death he plans to dominate her life
by persuading an eminent neurosurgeon to perform a macabre and sensational experiment. But Mary is determined to hold on to her
freedom. Starring Marius Goring and Elaine Stritch Dramatised by Ronald Harwood Directed by Donald McWhinnie | 7.4.79 |
| Lamb to the Slaughter | A distraught pregnant wife arrives home to find her policeman husband strangely murdered. A colleague called in to investigate the killing is baffled. What mysterious weapon did the killer use to batter in the dead man's skull? And why can't it be found? Starring Brian Blessed, Susan George and Michael Byrne Dramatised by Robin Chapman Directed by John Howard Davies | 14.4.79 |
| The Landlady | Billy Weaver is delighted with his digs but he gradually gets an uneasy feeling about the place. The last two guests signed in over two years ago. Why has no one stayed there since? Starring Siobhan McKenna and Leonard Preston Dramatised by Robin Chapman Directed by Herbert Wise | 21.4.79 |
| Neck | The rich, beautiful and seductive Lady Turton rules her husband Sir Basil with a rod of iron. She flaunts her lovers in front of him, but
Sir Basil and his disapproving butler Jelks see the perfect chance to get their revenge... Starring Michael Aldridge, Joan Collins, Sir John Gielgud and Peter Bowles Dramatised by Robin Chapman Directed by Christopher Miles | 28.4.79 |
| Edward the Conqueror | Louisa takes in a strange cat against the wishes of her husband Edward. She believes the creature is a re-incarnation of the composer
Franz Liszt. Her infatuation with the cat becomes an obsession and Edward feels threatened by it's powerful hold over her... Starring Joseph Cotten and Wendy Hiller Dramatised by Ronald Harwood Directed by Rodney Bennett | 5.5.79 |
| A Dip in the Pool | A tourist on his way home from Europe on a trans-atlantic liner stakes all on a last desperate gamble in the auction pool, betting how
far the ship will travel by noon the following day. But his plan to scoop the jackpot looks doomed when there is a sudden change in
the weather. Somehow he must slow the ship down... Starring Jack Weston. Gladys Spencer and Michael Troughton Dramatised by Ronald Harwood Directed by Michael Tuchner | 12.5.79 |
| The Way Up To Heaven | Mrs Foster is the worried wife who has a neurotic fear of not being punctual. Her trip to America to see her daughter and grandchild
looks doomed after a series of delays. Her husband seems to delight in adding to her frustration, but events take a mysterious turn... Starring Julie Harris and Roland Culver Dramatised by Ronald Harwood Directed by Simon Langton | 19.5.79 |