Ice House, The (BBC-1 1997, Daniel Craig, Frances Barber)

A dark and suspenseful murder mystery from the novel by Minette Walters. A body has been found in the ice house at Streech Grange ten years after David Maybury disappeared leaving his wife Phoebe and children Jonathan and Jane. He was never seen again. The village spoke of constant rows between the couple and it was no secret that Maybury’s wine business was virtually bankrupt. Suspicions inevitably fell on Phoebe, but despite a thorough police investigation nobody was arrested and a body was never found.

Today Phoebe lives in isolation with her schoolfriends, the aristic and gregarious designer Diana Goode and sharp-tongued, sexy-journalist Anne Cattrell. Cut off from the rest of the village the women have become the target of vicious rumor and gossip.

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Chief inspector Jack Walsh, who worked on Maybury’s disappearance all those years ago is convinced he’s got Phoebe this time. His assistant, Sergeant Andy McLoughlin isn’t so sure.

production details
UK | BBC One – WGBH Boston | 2×90 minutes | Broadcast 5-6 April 1997

Writer: Lizzie Mickery
Novel: Minette Walters
Music: David Ferguson
Design: Michael Trevor
Costume: James Keast
Executive Producer: Chris Parr
Producer: Suzan Harrison
Director: Tim Fywell

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cast
Daniel Craig as D.S. Andy McLoughlin
Frances Barber as Diana Goode
Penny Downie as Phoebe Maybury
Corin Redgrave as D.C.I. George Walsh
Kitty Aldridge as Anne Cattrell
James D’Arcy as Jonathan Maybury
Lynn Farleigh as Mrs. Thompson
Dave Hill as Fred Phillips
Willie Ross as Wally Ferris
Danny Midwinter as D.C. Blackshaw
Ann Bell as Molly Phillips
Niven Boyd as Dr Webster
Paul Jerricho as David Maybury
Jack Galloway as Paddy Clarke
Belinda Sinclair as Eileen Clarke
Sara Stephens as Tracy
James D’arcy as Jonathan Maybury

Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.