The Sweeney: Sweet Smell of Succession (ITV 8 Nov 1976, with Hywel Bennett)

In The Sweet Smell of Succession, major London gangland boss Joe Castle dies, his number two, Tarley is determined to take over the running of all his “business” interest, also keen to take over is rival boss Charlie Walters. Neither of them have reckoned without the arrival of Castle’s son and heir Steven. Neither Tarley or Walters even had an inkling of his existence. Young Castle is determined to take over the running of the old man’s legitmate business interests and sort out both Tarley and Walters in the process.

The always fabulous Hywel Bennett is chief guest star, it marked something of a return to TV for the actor. He had spent the last few purely on the stage acting and directing in numerous plays around the country. In a three page feature in the TV Times for the week (6 Nov 1976) Hywel touched on his film career, the breakdown of his marriage and directing for the stage. He also commented that the last time he worked on an ITV show it was for an episode of Redcap, which also just happened to star John Thaw.

Meanwhile George is neglecting his work, he’s applied for promotion and is desperate to find out if he has been successful or not. He also has the opportunity to buy his Aunt and Uncle’s house for a knock down price – but can only afford it if he gets a promotion.

production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Monday 8 November 1976 at 9.00pm

Writer: Peter Hill / Director: William Brayne

Series: The Sweeney Season 3 Episode 8

cast
John Thaw as Jack Regan
Dennis Waterman as George Carter
Garfield Morgan as Frank Haskins
Hywel Bennett as Steven Castle
Peter Dyneley as Tarley
Sue Lloyd as Arleen Baker
Willoughby Goddard as Kitter
Maxwell Shaw as Colin Raleigh
Alan Tilvern as Charlie Walters
David Sterne as Parkin
Gail Grainger as Jill
Geoffrey Todd as Nairn
Jack Allen as The Vicar
Peter Brayham as Johnno