Under The Hammer: The Fatal Attribution (ITV 10 Jan 1994, John Gielgud)

In The Fatal Attribution Maggie Perowne and Ben Glazier, both art experts working for Klinsky’s auction house think they have discovered a painting that appears to be a long last masterpiece but after one previous mistake they need to be absolutely sure that it is genuine.

A good opening episode with the dynamic between Jan Francis’s Maggie and Richard Wilson’s Ben established fairly quickly, Ben is carrying something of a torch for Maggie, she sees him as more of a teacher figure though and is involved with the none too likeable wine expert at Klinsky’s Nick Roper who also sets out his stall early by being more than prepared to get one over on Maggie by using her information on the painting to try and make a profit for himself.

The episode also has some major names popping up too including a small cameo for Sir John Gielgud as an art expert, Alfred Burke as a dying artist, Susan Wooldridge doing her excellent slightly off kilter bit as a possible forger and an uncredited cameo for comedian Stephen K. Amos as a member of the audience at an auction.

production details
UK / ITV – Meridian – New Penny / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast 10 January 1994

WRITER: John Mortimer / DIRECTOR: Robert Tronson

Series: Under The Hammer Episode One of Seven

main cast
RICHARD WILSON as Ben Glazier
JAN FRANCIS as Maggie Perowne
MICHAEL SIBERRY as Nick Roper
MARSHA FITZALAN as Camilla Mounsey
ROBERT LANG as Lord Holloway
STEPHEN BOXER as Keith Shrimsley
ROSE KEEGAN as Lucy Starr
SUSAN ENGEL as Lady Holloway

guest cast
SUSAN WOOLDRIDGE as Sarah Napper
ALFRED BURKE as Peter Pomfret
JOHN GIELGUD as Hugo Lunt
FREDERICK TREVES as Lord Saltery
JOHN GRILLO as Owly Johnstone
DAVID DE KEYSER as Roy Deracort
JAY VILLIERS as Mr Hanley
DAVID HOUNSLOW as Detective Sergeant Strachan
CAVADA HUMPHREY as Buyer At Auction