New Scotland Yard: A Gathering of Dust (ITV 27 Oct 1972)

In A Gathering of Dust workmen discover a long dead body in a cellar whilst on a demolition job. The skeleton is thought to have been there at least 25 years and was definitely murdered, there is a prominent bullet hole in the skull.

Kingdom and Ward investigate only for the roof to literally fall in on them leaving them trapped. Ward is something of a claustrophobe and in a bid to keep Ward from losing his nerve Kingdom suggests that they use their detective skills to find out as much as they can about the victim whilst they wait to be rescued. Meanwhile back on the surface a major rescue operation is underway.

A suitably tense beginning to the episode as Ward gets more and more frantic as time goes on, there is then a change of pace at the mid-point as the duo are rescued and carry on their investigation in a more traditional vein.

There is a fabulous roster of guest actors assembled for this episode including an appearance from ageing British film legend Roger Livesey (A Matter of Life and Death) as well as the likes of Derek Martin, Tony Steedman, Russell Napier and Bernard Gallagher.

classic quote
“You’ve got about as much tact and subtlety as a runaway bulldozer.” – Kingdom to Ward during the questioning of a subject.

production details
UK / ITV – London Weekend Television / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Friday 27 October 1972 at 9.00pm

Writer: Don Houghton / Production Design: David Catley / Director: Bryan Izzard

Series: New Scotland Yard Season 2 Episode 3

cast
John Woodvine as Kingdom
John Carlisle as Ward
Roger Livesey as Sir Giles Wentworth
Russell Napier as Dr Stephen Lewis
Geoffrey Toone as Sir Geoffrey Oxborough
Bernard Gallagher as Jackson
Barrie Houghton as George
Derek Martin as Bill
Alan Downer as Det Insp Willis
Kenneth Gilbert as Dr Brinsley
Liz Ashley as Lady Oxborough
Tony Steedman as George Matterson