Photograph, A (Play For Today BBC-1 22 Mar 1977, John Stride)

In the very good and slightly sinister Play For Today, A Photograph, writer and broadcaster Michael Otway is sent a photograph in the post of what is apparently two girls sitting in front of a gypsy caravan. His marriage to schoolteacher Gillian is under strain and she becomes convinced that he is having an affair. She refuses to let the matter drop and has the photograph blown up, she then believes the girls are actually two boys in drag, one of whom seems to have a prominent snake tattoo on their arm. Michael then takes matters into his own hands and goes in search of the caravan only to discover something that he wishes he hadn’t.

Marvellous stuff, A Photograph carries with it a real air of subdued menace. Opens with a body and then flashes back and although you know how things are going to end it still comes as a surprise when things actually do end that way. John Stride is a great actor too, with real star quality. He had not long finished his starring role as David Main in the hugely popular ITV series The Main Chance so this was something of a change of pace for him.

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×70 minuute episode / Broadcast 22 March 1977

Writer: John Bowen / Script Editor: Colin Tucker / Costumes: Raymond Hughes / Production Design: Tony Abbott / Producer: Graeme McDonald / Director: John Glenister

cast
JOHN STRIDE as Michael Otway
STEPHANIE TURNER as Gillian Otway
FREDA BAMFORD as Mrs Vigo
ERIC DEACON as Boy
JUDY MONAHAN as Vicky
WILL KNIGHTLEY as Fred
RAYMOND MASON as Mr Lightbody
DEREK THOMPSON as Chet
GRAHAM ASHLEY as Barman