Out (ITV Crime, Tom Bell, Brian Cox)

Crime drama serial Out sees Frank Ross (Tom Bell) coming out of prison after serving 8 years for a bank robbery that went wrong, with his marriage in tatters Ross is determined to get his revenge on the ones who “grassed” him to the law.

Opening with a great sequence of Ross coming to terms with actually being out and feeling alienated by the fast moving crowds around him. The 6 part serial, was a big ratings hit and also won a Bafta award.

Cast: Tom Bell as Frank Ross; Norman Rodway as Bryce; John Junkin as Veneker; Brian Cox as McGrath; Derrick O’Connor as John Pavey; Brian Croucher as Chris Cottle; Lynn Farleigh as Ann; Robert Walker as Rimme

Writer: Trevor Preston / Music: George Fenton / Producer: Barry Hanson / Executive Producer: Johnny Goodman / Associate Producer: Linda Agran / Director: Jim Goddard

UK / ITV – Thames – Euston / 6×60 minute episodes / Broadcast 24 July – 28 August 1978

THE EPISODES

1. IT MUST BE THE SUIT
Frank Ross is OUT – and BACK. Who framed him? What do Vic, Ralph, Bernie and Pretty Billy know? But even on the outside time is running out for FRANK ROSS!

Writer: Trevor Preston
Director: Jim Goddard

2. NOT JUST PENNIES
“My clothes don’t fit … I’m having to sell my house to pay my wife’s hospital bills … one of my closest friends is wanted for murder. I’m sorry Anne, an 8 year old affair doesn’t rate very high at the moment.”

Writer: Trevor Preston
Director: Jim Goddard

3. MAYBE HE’LL BRING BACK A GEISHA
Vic, Bernie and Alf haven’t a clue who informed on the robbery eight years ago. Does Pretty Bill know – only he’s on the run for murder? Frank must find him before the police.

Writer: Trevor Preston
Director: Jim Goddard

4. A LITTLE HEART TO HEART WITH MISS BANGOR
At last Frank has got a definite clue. But Pretty Billy is in intensive care, Eddie Archer is dead, Lew Wilson is on remand and his son Paul is in trouble with the police.

Writer: Trevor Preston
Director: Jim Goddard

5. THE MOMENT HE OPENED HIS ENVELOPE . …
A frightened Cimmie Vincent has given Frank a name. Someone wants Frank Ross stopped NOW and Mr. Smith has driven down from the North with a few ideas …

Writer: Trevor Preston
Director: Jim Goddard

6. I WOULDN’T TAKE YOUR HAND IF I WAS DROWNING
Tony McGrath’s hit-man, Mr. Smith, has failed to ‘pin a notice’ on Frank. Can Frank be stopped now? What if he discovers the missing name?

Writer: Trevor Preston
Director: Jim Goddard