Shadows of Fear: Repent at Leisure (ITV 2 Feb 1971, George Sewell, Elizabeth Sellars)

In Repent at Leisure Isabel meets deckhand Harry on a cruise around the world. A whirlwind romance sees them married and living in London. Isabel’s friend Peter is convinced that Harry is only after the wealthy Isabel’s money.

Before too long Isabel herself is convinced something is not quite right in the marriage. When Harry goes out Isabel looks through his cases and discovers an incriminating picture of Harry with his “sister” Jenny – although we very quickly find out that she really is his sister. We had previously met her at the wedding where Harry claimed she was a spinster but really she is married to a person of colour and Harry thought Isabel would disapprove.

It’s the subtle slow burn air of menace that makes the episode so good and as with most of the Shadows episodes a twist in the tale turns things on their head. Harry genuinely does want to make his marriage work but Isabel has worked herself up into such a state that she is convinced he is going to kill her so decides to strike first!

Coinciding with the broadcast there was a two page feature in the TV Times focusing on Elizabeth Sellars and her career.

Around this same time Sewell had played a very similar character in Public Eye episode Come Into The Garden, Rose.

production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Tuesday 2 February 1971 at 9.00pm

Writer: Roger Marshall / Production Design: Peter Le Page / Director: Kim Mills

Series: Shadows of Fear Episode 5 (of 11)

cast
George Sewell as Harry
Elizabeth Sellars as Isabel
Peter Cellier as Peter
Alethea Charlton as Jenny

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