The Nearly Man: Powerbase – April 1975 (ITV 11 Nov 1975, with John Leyton)

In Powerbase Christopher, along with Peter Richards, is going quietly about his plans. Gathering about him a powerbase of loyal supporters. Meanwhile his personal life is in disarray. Having recently lost their son Andrew, his wife Alice thinks he is using his death to gain sympathy. She tells him she wants to live apart from him for awhile.

His agent Ron Hibbert is working hard for Chris but doesn’t like him and Chris knows it. Councillor Bernard King knows how good Hibbert is and tells Chris he needs to keep him.

As much time is devoted to Ron’s life, he is solid working class and married to Dorothy. He is a teacher and is also heavily involved in trying to help the disenfranchised youth of the area. In an incredibly restrained and well played scene Alice tells Christopher she wants to live apart from him for awhile.

production details
UK / ITV – Granada / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Tuesday 11 November 1975 at 9.00pm

Writer: Arthur Hopcraft / Production Design: Michael Grimes, Chris Wilkinson / Director: Alan Grint

Series: The Nearly Man Episode 2

cast
Tony Britton as Christopher Collinson
Ann Firbank as Alice Collinson
Wilfred Pickles as Bernard King
Michael Elphick as Ron Hibbert
Gwen Taylor as Dorothy Hibbert
John Leyton as Brian Griffin
Ian McCulloch as Peter Richards
Ian East as Maurice Wrigley
Steven Grives as Len
Pamela Manson as Beryl Gardiner
Anthony Wingate as Lionel Gardiner
Ann MacKenzie-Davidson as Helen Richards
Wilfred Harrison as Dick Harrison
Marlene Sidaway as Gillian Harrion
Bobby Pattinson as Mr Timmins
Sue Dexter as Mrs Timmins
Peter Kerrigan as Mr Bailey
Daphne Oxenford as Charwoman
John Pickles as Headmaster
Sean Flanagan as Riley
Ronnie Bihuniak as Ronnie
Paul Duffy as Paul
Josie Lane as Mrs King