Justice: Decisions, Decisions (ITV 2 Aug 1974, with Richard Vernon)

In Decisions, Decisions, Harriet and James both become involved in a high society and high profile divorce between Lord Tilling and his wife Nancy. The pair have been living separate lives for some time and both have been seeing other people for some time too.

James seems quite light hearted but deep down is still feeling that the law is not enough for him anymore. Meanwhile his girlfriend Jenny has given him an ultimatum – she needs to know that he loves her or it is over. Pushed into a corner James realises that yes he does in fact love her. James also has a heart to heart with Harriet and tells her he wants to take some time out to work on the book he has always wanted to write.

Somewhat surprisingly Frank Ronce is still on the scene, and he clearly has more than friendship towards Harriet on his mind. He turns up at the chambers with an expensive gift for her and then proceeds to propose marriage. Even more surprisingly Harriet, despite her long standing relationship with Ian Moody, doesn’t dismiss him out of hand. However, over dinner, she does tell him there is no chance she would marry him. Frank Ronce makes a proposal to Harriet.

Ronce, unwilling to take no for an answer, turns up at Harriets home and invites her for a break on his yacht in the South of France. When Harriet tells him firmly no he loses his temper and tells her to watch out. Poor Harriet then has to face up to a visit from Ian who gives her an ultimatum – basically if she has anything more to do with Ronce it’s all over between them (he doesn’t know at this stage that she has given Ronce short thrift). James finds out and decides to try and bring Harriet and Ian back together.

Richard Vernon is excellent as Lord Tilling, especially when he is giving evidence in court about all the things his wife has done to him over the years. It’s also good to see Harriet and James working on a case together too. Funnily enough it turns out the whole thing between the Tilling’s is a publicity stunt so they can sell their story to the papers. James is given an ultimatum by Jenny.

Although it is something of a surprise to see James make the decision to leave he has been restless for much of the series. Buying his cottage in the country in a bid to leave the law behind as much as possible and having several heart to hearts with Harriet about the law.

classic quote
“What’s wrong with the law, apart from everything.”

“I shall miss you, even though you are so bossy.”

production details
UK / ITV – Yorkshire / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Friday 2 August 1974 at 9.00pm

Writer: Eric Wendell / Production Design: Mary Rea / Director: Brian Farnham

Series: Justice Season 3 Episode 11

cast
Margaret Lockwood as Harriet Peterson
Anthony Valentine as James Eliot
John Stone as Ian Moody
John Bryans as Bill
Rosie Collins as Rosie
RIchard Vernon as Lord Tilling
Rowena Cooper as Nancy Tilling
Jenny Till as Mollie
Nicholas Bennett as George
Robert Lankesheer as Mr Jack
Ed Devereaux as Frank Ronce
Richard Burrell as Mr Girston
Ronald Russell as Judge
Madoline Thomas as Nanny
Deborah Fairfax as Nurse
Sarah Douglas as Jenny
Laurel Ford as Maid
John RIngham as Roger Greenfield
Charles Hill as Headwaiter