Gallowglass (BBC Crime Drama, Michael Sheen, Paul Rhys)

A superb atmosphere of langour and encroaching menace was at the heart of three part thriller Gallowglass. The story began when Sandor (Paul Rhys) saved the life of Joe (Michael Sheen) setting in motion a chain of events that leads to the abduction of the beautiful and wealthy Nina (Arkie Whitely).

Based on the novel by Barbara Vine which is actually the pseudonym used by the best selling Ruth Rendell for her more overt psychological novels. The title had its roots in Gaelic, a gallowglass was a servant whose loyalty to his master stretched to giving up his life.

Cast: MICHAEL SHEEN as Joe; PAUL RHYS as Sandor; ARKIE WHITELY as Nina; JOHN McARDLE as Paul Garnet; GARY WALDHORN as Ralph Apsoland; CLAIRE HACKETT as Tilly; NERYS HUGHES as Joe’s Mum Diana; TREVOR COOPER as Stan

Writer: Jacqueline Holborough / Novel: Barbara Vine / Producer: Phillipa Giles / Director: Tim Fywell

UK / BBC One / 3×60 minute episodes / 10 – 24 January 1993

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