Shoestring: The Teddy Bear’s Nightmare (BBC-1 12 Oct 1980, Dave King)

It’s a case suggested by Eddie’s boss Don Satchley in season two’s second episode The Teddy Bears’ Nightmare. Don is out fishing when he spots someone trying to steal from the car of a courting couple. However rather than cause a fuss the couple make a run for it themselves. Eddie begins to investigate and quickly uncovers a blackmail plot along with a veritable hornets nest of undercover cops and informers being kept hidden.

Definitely a classic episode, all the Shoestring hallmarks including Eddie getting duffed up and a finale involving a race against time. A great supporting cast as always too but the real highlight though is the superbly seedy performance from Donald Sumpter with his greasy hair and sticky taped glasses he really is disgusting in his greed.

classic quote
“Get to the point Mr Reeves, I find your presence slightly repulsive.”

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast 12 October 1980 @ 9.05pm

Writer: Leslie Darbon / Production Design: Humphrey Jaeger / Director: Martin Campbell

Series: Shoestring  Season 2 Episode 2

guest cast
DAVE KING as Cahill
KEN HUTCHINSON as Ken “Boxer” Beatty
CHARLOTTE CORNWELL as Christine Page
DONALD SUMPTER as Stanley Reeves
ROY NORTH as D.J.
HILARY CRANE as Shop Assistant
ANTHONY MAY as Joe Anderson
MICHAEL WORSLEY as James
JULIE SULLIVAN as Museum Attendant
NICOLA ROWLEY as Waitress
GARY IRVIN as Counterhand
LYNN PROCTER as Stripper
MURRAY EWAN as Oscar