Justice: After All, What is a Lie? (ITV 23 Mar 1973, with Brian Wilde)

In After All, What is a Lie? Ian is determined to help a patient of his, Joan Bradley, whose husband Tom is in prison and is convinced she is having an affair. Bradley has a history of violence and firmly believes that it’s Moody that Joan is having an affair with. A prison visit from Moody to try and set Tom’s mind at rest only antagonises the situation – Bradley then escapes from prison.

The police think Bradley may be out to get Moody but he has something more sinister in mind – he does indeed visit Moody but rather than violence plans to report him to the General Medical Council saying he has written evidence and signed statements from his wife saying Moody has committed adultery with her on numerous occasions.

It’s a serious allegation and one that will result in a court case – it’s too close to home for Harriet to get involved with but Sir John steps up and takes Moody’s case.

After Harriet pays a visit to Joan it’s very obvious she is lying to save her marriage, Harriet decides she wants to give evidence but Sir John thinks it could be catastrophic for her career. He is sure the only way to break Joan’s story under cross-examination. In the end Sir John has no choice but to put Harriet in the witness box.

A very strong story with Dr Moody very much taking centre stage.

classic quote
“The secrets of successful cross-examination are the answers you get not the questions you ask.”

production details
UK / ITV – Yorkshire / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Friday 23 March 1973 at 9.00pm

Writer: John Batt / Production Design: Vic Symonds / Director: Alan Bromly

Series: Justice Season 2 Episode 7

cast
Margaret Lockwood as Harriet Peterson
John Stone as Dr Ian Moody
Philip Stone as Sir John Gallagher
John Bryans as Bill, Clark of Chambers
Janet Lees Price as Joan Bradley
Brian Wilde as Dr Miles Wentworth
Derek Newark as Tom Bradley
Antony Brown as Supt Rogers
Richard Durden as Anthony Sherman
Basil Dignam as Sir Jules Larsen