Villains: Alice Sheree (ITV 19 Aug 1972, Sharon Duce, Ray Smith)

In Alice Sheree, Alice was not actually involved in the raid pulled off by the “bog robbers” first hand but was given a two year sentence for handling some of the stolen money. Alice is now out of prison on probation and her former boyfriend “Big Mike” is now on the run and is keen to make contact with Alice once again.

Her parents, with whom she is staying, have made it plain that don’t want her around and that her four year old daughter is better off with them. As soon as Mike makes contact Alice heads off to London, the pair plan to come up with fake passports and get out of the country.

The always excellent Ray Smith turns in a nicely creepy performance as “Big Mike’s” brother-in-law who is helping make arrangements for getting out of the country.

The all too often under rated Sharon Duce is brilliant as Alice Sheree, who clearly is operating on a slightly different plane to everybody else.

Ultimately it’s a really sad episode, brilliantly played by all concerned, Mike has no money left and ends up recaptured and Alice is turned in to the police by her own father.

production details
UK / ITV – London Weekend Television / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Saturday 19 August 1972 at 9.30pm

Writer: Keith Dewhurst / Production Design: Colin Piggott / Director: James Goddard

Series: Villains Season 1 Episode 5

cast
Sharon Duce as Alice Clough
Patrick Durkin as Mike Smith
Ray Smith as Dave Swift
Ken Wynne as Brandy Brewer
Frederick Peisley as Jimmy
Clive Swift as Mr Clough
Stephanie Bidmead as Mrs Clough
Brinsley Forde as George
Margaret Ward as Miss Havington
Paul Alexander as Reverend Andrews
Jonathan Adams as Detective Sergeant Rice