Special Branch: Round the Clock (ITV 11 Apr 1973, with Perry Sinclair)

In Round the Clock Alan Craven is none too impressed to find that his partner on his latest case if Inspector Tom Haggarty, drafted in from the Flying Squad. The pair have had a few run-ins in the past and don’t get off to the best of starts when Haggarty tries to take Craven’s personal parking space.

A gold smuggling racket has been causing problems for SB, Craven is convinced that a well known villain is behind the smuggling but Haggarty (who previously spent months tailing him) is convinced the man is dead.

A round the clock surveillance mission gives both Craven and Haggerty plenty of time to air old grievances. Craven later reveals to Pam (who he is involved with) that he considers Haggerty was responsible for breaking up his marriage when he ruined a previous case they worked on and it meant Craven had to start again with it, cancelling a planned Greek holiday in the process. This turned out to be the final straw. Somewhat tenuous to blame Haggerty really when his marriage was obviously already in major trouble.

It’s all very Rear Window and pretty much a two hander between Sewell and Mower.

It’s interesting to note that at this stage that Patrick Mower is listed merely as guest artist, by the end of the episode though Haggerty has been given a permanent transfer to Special Branch and promoted to Detective Chief Inspector. Haggarty makes a poor impression on Craven when he arrives…

production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Wednesday 11 April 1973 at 9.00pm

Writers: Tom Brennand, Roy Bottomley / Director: Mike Vardy

Series: Special Branch Season 3 Episode 2

cast
George Sewell as Alan Craven
Patrick Mower as Tom Haggarty
Roger Rowland as Detective Sergeant North
Sheila Scott-Wilkinson as Nurse Pam Sloane
Richard Leech as Chief Supt Knight
Perry Sinclair as Frank
Sue Winkler
Lynne Turner
Angela Mercer
Maurice Quick
Bobby Heath
Martin Grace
Dinny Powell