Fraud Squad: Inquest (ITV 24 Oct 1970, with Brewster Mason)

In Inquest Proud is somewhat disturbed when Laughton, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary turns up and wants a full breakdown of the Squad’s investigation of “The Faraday Case.” Somebody has made a complaint about the handling of the case, the situation compounded by the fact that Faraday has committed suicide whilst in custody.

It’s an episode that doesn’t really venture far from the confines of the Fraud Sqaud office. The whole story of how Gamble and Hicks dealt with Faraday (the kind of plot that would normally make up a typical episode of the show) is outlined in their briefing to Laughton. Given that this was 1970 it seems curiously old fashioned. However given that it is midway through the season it may well have been a budgetary thing. The performances manage to keep our interest but it does feel a little claustrophobic by the time we are into act three.

Gamble’s daughter, who appears in the opening scene and in a photograph seen on Gamble’s desk is played by Patrick O’Connell’s real life daughter Katherine.

production details
UK / ITV – ATV / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Saturday 24 October 1970 at 9.00pm

Writer: Richard Harris / Production Design: Michael Eve / Director: Paul Annett

Series: Fraud Squad Season 2 Episode 6

cast
Patrick O’Connell as Detective Inspector Gamble
Joanna Van Gyseghem as Vicky Hicks
Ralph Nossek as Supt Proud
Brewster Mason as Laughton
Elizabeth Weaver as Helen Gamble
Katherine O’Connell as Lucy