Bergerac: Nice People Die In Bed (BBC-1 25 October 1981, with Richard Morant)

In Nice People Die In Bed, Jim investigates following the death of Sir Edward Lister, the director of an overseas famine organisation. Things initially point to it being natural causes but when the police doctor says the body has been moved it is clear there is something more going on.

Initial investigations also point to the body having been dressed after death, Barney thinks Lister may have been having an affair. Things get murkier still when Sir Edward’s hotel room is burgled. In the chase that ensues, a fall down a flight of fire escape stairs for Jim leads us into a handy little flashback of just how Jim smashed his knee. He was on surveillance (and drinking heavily) when he tried to board a villain’s boat, in a bid to shake Jim off the villain deliberately pilots his boat into the harbour wall, trapping Jim in the process.

It also means Jim has injured his knee again which could give Barney Crozier the fuel to get rid of him off his team. There is no specific reason that Barney doesn’t want Jim around – more likely a bit of feeling insecure in his new position. He has only recently been promoted to Inspector.

The shake down when it comes is a surprise. The married Sir Edward had been having a long term relationship with his male personal secretary Peter Cassell. When Sir Edward had discovered that Peter was cheating on him he’d confronted him and his new lover only to die of a heart attack – Peter covered up what really happened to try and spare Sir Edward’s wife Diana the trauma. Surprisingly Jim agrees to keep quiet about the true facts of the case.

classic quote
“I don’t know which is busier – you or your trousers.” – Secretary Charlotte to Jim after he turns up wearing a pair of busy golf pants after ripping in his own in the fall on the fire escape.

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Sunday 25 October 1981 at 8.15pm

Writer: John Kershaw / Production Design: Phil Roberson / Director: Martin Campbell

Series: Bergerac Season 1 Episode 2

cast
John Nettles as Jim Bergerac
Cecile Paoli as Francine
Terence Alexander as Hungerford
Sean Arnold as Crozier
Mela White as Diamante Lil
Annette Badland as Charlotte
Danny Schiller as Gulliver
Deborah Grant as Deborah
Lindsay Heath as Kim
Rosemary Martin as Diana Lister
Richard Morant as Peter Cassell
Valerie Holliman as Josie Rush
Ian Redford as Morell
Raymond Adamson as Senator
Lewis Jones as Hotel manager
Richard Harradine as Nino
Jonathan Adams as Doctor
Alex Norton as Acupuncturist
Lloyd McGuire as Airport officer
George Little as Hotel owner
Anthony Douse as Roger
Jenny Paul as Roger’s sister
Peter Germaine as Hotel porter
Mollie Gilfoyle as Chambermaid
Carol Sandy as Chambermaid
Tony Stanley as Master of ceremonies