In Inquisition Craven and Special Branch have been keeping a man called Yearsley under observation since he was released from prison. A search of his house produces a revolver and a fake passport. He is taken into custody. Yearsley is a civil servant who had become caught up in espionage activity. Craven doesn’t necessarily want Yearsley but the man who set Yearsley up in the first place.
The work dilemma’s faced by Pam, Craven’s girlfriend, seem somewhat incongruous, to say the least. It does serve to show the pressures she is under and the pressures that her relationship with Craven is under. Realistically Pam’s appearance is only here to break up the interrogation scenes. There is also a bit of a dodgy subplot about Craven being overworked and suffering bad headaches.
Craven and Pam don’t live together but have been in a relationship for some time. They seem to be at loggerheads quite a lot at the moment.Much has been made of Special Branch’s switch to all film production but this was definitely one episode that didn’t need it. Apart from a brief scene at the end the whole thing is pretty much interiors based.
Clifford Rose popped up as a guest star in pretty much every show going during the 1970’s, he eventually achieved star status thanks to his role as Kessler in Secret Army.
production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Wednesday 18 April 1973 at 9.00pm
Writer: Trevor Preston / Director: Mike Vardy
Series: Special Branch Season 3 Episode 3
cast
George Sewell as Alan Craven
Roger Rowland as Detective Sergeant North
Clifford Rose as Yearsley
Sheila Scott-Wilkinson as Pam Sloane
Alan Downer as Shepherd
Keith Anderson as Manning
Clement McCallin as Overton
Ruby Head as Matron
