The Main Chance: Doll On A Wall (ITV 2 Aug 1972)

In Doll On A Wall David is perturbed when Hilary goes away without warning, more so when a fellow solicitor turns up claiming that the buyer of Hilary’s two florist shops is going to be sue because they believe the value was artificially inflated.

Hilary meanwhile has fled to Amsterdam in search of herself, she knows that marriage to David is very much on the cards and is feeling under pressure. She seeks (platonic) companionship with a young man called Tony, a situation David is none too impressed about when he too turns up in Amsterdam. Events take another turn when Tony is found dead.

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As always one of the things that makes The Main Chance such superior drama is the dialogue and writer Ray Jenkins turns in an excellent wordy and intelligent script here.

This was the second episode of the season (Widows Mite was the earlier episode) to incorporate location filming abroad. Location filming for this one actually took place before the Switzerland trip despite appearing later in the season.

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classic quote
“Hilary, I don’t drink at public fountains.” – David’s reaction after discovering Hilary has been spending time with Tony.

production details
UK / ITV – Yorkshire / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Wednesday 2 August 1972 at 9.00pm

Writer: Ray Jenkins / Production Design: Alan Pickford / Director: John Frankau

Series: The Main Chance Season 3 Episode 9

cast
John Stride as David Main
Estelle Kohler as Hilary Nash
Margaret Ashcroft as Margaret Castleton
Glynn Edwards as Walter Clegg
Anna Palk as Sarah Radchester
Scott Antony as Tony Ferman
Frederick Treves as Stanton
Candace Glendenning as Denny Ferman
Benedicta Leigh as Mrs Gadley
Patrick Jordan as Inspector Bertram

Alastair James is the editor-in-chief of Memorable TV, leading the charge in covering today's must-see television. A lifelong television enthusiast, his passion began with a deep dive into the world of classic sci-fi, culminating in his role as editor of "Beyond the Static," a publication devoted to celebrating iconic sci-fi series. While his love for classic television remains, Alastair's focus at Memorable TV is firmly on the present, analyzing the latest trends in the television landscape, from gripping crime dramas to the ever-evolving strategies of Survivor. His insights have been featured in numerous publications. At Memorable TV, Alastair's goal is to provide readers with sharp commentary, engaging reviews, and in-depth analysis of the shows dominating the current conversation.