Episodes
Within These Walls: Visitors (ITV 20 Nov 1976, with Anna Nicholas)
The issue of prison visitors takes centre stage in this episode, most of the staff agree that the current visiting method is outdated and the inmates themselves see it as chore to be avoided rather than a chance to talk to someone on the outside.
Charles Radley is friends with the deputy at Pentonville where they are trialling a new voluntary organisation called The Windermere Group who place an emphasis on one to one visits that develops into a personal relationship that hopefully continues once the prisoners are released.
Mrs Armitage and Martha Parrish are convinced that the whole idea is too free and easy, the group insist on weekly parties until relationships are established. Helen Forrester is determined to give it a try and it very quickly becomes successful – until MP James Buckingham seems to be taking his visiting rights a little too far – especially as he seems to be getting rather too close inmate Vicky Parker, a prominent call girl. Things reach crisis point when elderly pickpocket Dolly Grey tells Mrs Armitage that Buckingham is sneaking out letters for Parker.
production details
UK / ITV – London Weekend Television / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Saturday 20 November 1976 at 8.00pm
Writer: Terence Feely / Production Design: Colin Monk / Director: Peter Moffat
Series: Within These Walls Season 4 Episode 12
cast
Katharine Blake as Helen Forrester
Jerome Willis as Charles Radley
Sonia Graham as Martha Parrish
Beth Harris as Lis Clarke
Mona Bruce as Mrs Armitage
Norah Blaney as Dolly Grey
Alison Groves as Officer Poole
Sarah Benfield as Angie Bell
Janet Amsden as Joan Atkins
Miranda Forbes as Officer Parsons
Anna Nicholas as Vicky Parker
John Crocker as Herbert Ackroyd
Anthony Ainley as James Buckingham
Elizabeth Croft as Agatha Mason
Jessica Spencer as Miss Masters
Geoffrey Beevers as Dan Croft
Margot Boht as Gabby Baker