Public Eye: Fit of Conscience (ITV 24 Mar 1975, with Paul Kermack)

In Fit of Conscience town planner John Friendly seeks Frank’s help about a bribe he took from builder Mr Brightwell over the development of a block of flats a few years previously. When the flats suffer massive structural damage and people are killed an inquiry begin into who is to blame.

Brightwell is thought to have knowingly used sub standard materials in order to get the quote and Friendly wants to clear his conscience. Matters are further compounded by the fact that Friendly’s wife Evelyn is having an affair with fellow civil servant George Berry who was also taking backhanders from Brightwell.

There is a brilliant closing scene where Frank, having persuaded Evelyn to return home to Friendly, walks out of the Friendly home with John in mid-sentence. It really sums up Marker’s general attitude.

production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast 24 March 1975 at 9.00pm

Writer: David Ambrose / Production Design: Graham Guest / Director: Mike Vardy

Series: Public Eye Season 7 Episode 12

cast
Alfred Burke as Frank Marker
Paul Kermack as John Friendly
Michael Spice as Harris
Margaret Whiting as Evelyn Friendly
Robert Gillespie as Bromley
Peter Welch as Overton
Kevin Brennan as Brightwell
Andrew Laurence as Inquiry Chairman
Paul Williamson as Counsel
Robert Hartley as Turnbull
Griffith Jones as George Berry
Paul Gregory as Estate Agent
Margaret Anderson as Travel Agent
Ann Rye as Secretary
Patricia Garwood as Dr Stoddart
Yvonne Ball as Woman in Flat