In Polonaise the captain of a Polish Cargo ship about to dock in London is sent death threats. Captain Wedniki has a past that involves committing numerous atrocities on the people of Warsaw during World War II. There are plenty of London based Poles who want him dead and are willing to do it themeselves.
The threats have to be taken seriously but Craven and North have a difficult task keeping on top of this. Meanwhile Wedniki won’t allow any Special Branch men aboard his ship.
Andre Morell as ScabrienskiAn excellent episode, we get another glimpse of Craven’s steely nature when Wilson, one of the young detectives working the case, admits to not reporting his being involved with the grand daughter of one of the key men, Scabrienski, believed to be running the plot to kill Wedniki. Wilson, who is the SB Polish specialist asks Craven not to report his misdemeanour as he would be thrown out of SB but the episode ends with Craven telling Wilson to clear his desk out in the morning as he’s out!
There is small guest appearance from former Quatermass Andre Morell as Scabrienski and the excellent Michael Culver pops up as incognito MI5 man Nateby.
Michael Culver as Nateby.production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Wednesday 2 May 1973 at 9.00pm
Writers: Allan Scott, Chris Bryant / Director: Mike Vardy
Series: Special Branch Season 3 Episode 5
cast
George Sewell as Alan Craven
Roger Rowland as Detective Sergeant North
John Bailey as Yushin
Michael Culver as Nateby
Richard Marner as Wedniki
Milos Kirek as Embassy Official
Andre Morell as Scabrienski
George Pravda as Bershki
David Weston as Wilson
Rita Merkelis as Eva
Bernard Archard as Farmer
