Hadleigh: The Charm Factor (ITV 9 Apr 1976, with Myra Frances)

In The Charm Factor Gregory Baker has cooked up a plot to extract some kind of financial revenge on Hadleigh following his being named in the divorce with Jennifer and having a portion of the costs awarded against him. He has arranged for a supposed physicist, Harry Destill, to spend some time at Melford with a perfect business deal opportunity for James.

Arriving at the same time is Baker’s sister Stella Clisby, who knows Destill but pretends not to. Stella is ostensibly here to pick up some of Jennifer’s belongings but is also involved in the plot.

Hadleigh though is very much running a plot of his own. He knows just what is going on and is playing both Destill and Clisby. Even going so far as to include Helen and old ministry colleague Strapper Strapton.

There was a short article about Myra Frances in the TV Times for the week (3 Apr 76) about how she enjoyed playing the bitch. She remarked “I wouldn’t want to be cast as a sweet, soft little secretary creature. The better parts are not usually nice people.”

Another very strong episode, Baker wants revenge but Hadleigh wants revenge too. Not only does he leave Baker penniless but he also sleeps with Baker’s sister too. Peter Sallis is Strapper Strapton who knows what Hadleigh is up to.

classic quote
“You’re speaking some secret language to yourself. Is that because you are making a fool of me or because you are frightened of me.”

production details
UK / ITV – Yorkshire / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Friday 9 April 1976 at 9.00pm

Writer: Raymond Bowers / Production Design: Chris George / Director: Tony Wharmby

Series: Hadleigh Season 4 Episode 6

cast
Gerald Harper as James Hadleigh
Peter Dennis as Sutton
Ambrosine Phillpotts as Lady Helen
Myra Frances as Stella Clisby
Colin Farrell as Harry Destill
Anthony Corlan as Gregory Baker
Peter Sallis as Strapper Strapton
Gabor Vernon as Nisark