The Sweeney: Tomorrow Man (ITV 27 Sep 1976, with John Hurt)

In Tomorrow Man computer expert Anthony Grey is out for revenge on the business partner he believes has swindled him out of his rightful share of the company. Grey has just come out of prison after serving a two year sentence for manslaughter after killing an old lady in a car accident. Grey’s former partner Dennis Longfield offered him four thousand pounds for his share in the business to help pay for his defence. Now, especially as the business has moved up to another level, he wants what he thinks is rightfully is.

Longfield is already under surveillance from The Sweeney as his company, Data Task, is considered something of a possible target because of the high security data it looks after. After Longfield complains about Grey he too becomes a person of interest to Regan and Carter.

Data Task are planning the route for a gold bullion shipment and Grey is planning to “hack” into the Data Task computer system to direct the gold right into his hands.

There are some very funny bits of business with Regan trying to get to grips with computer terminology. The pair also end up fighting over their computer expert Dr Jenny Smart.

Future Dennis Waterman Minder co-star George Cole plays Longfield whilst the always superb John Hurt is Grey. Dennis Blanch, soon to star in crime drama series Strangers, also has a small role as a C.I.D. man.

production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Monday 27 September 1976 at 9.00pm

Writer: Andrew Wilson / Director: David Wickes

Series: The Sweeney Season 3 Episode 4

cast
John Thaw as Jack Regan
Dennis Waterman as George Carter
Garfield Morgan as Haskins
John Hurt as Anthony Grey
George Cole as Dennis Longfield
Peter Bayliss as Burnham
Ann Curthoys as Dr Jenny Smart
Nina Thomas as Caroline
Lawrence James as Desk Sergeant
Keith Ashton as Massey
Jason James as Police Sergeant
Dennis Blanch as C.I.D. Detective
John Alkin as Daniels