Mind Beyond, The: The Love Of A Good Woman (BBC-2 1976, William Lucas, Anna Massey)

In The Love of a Good Woman, the third in a series of six single dramas in The Mind Beyond strand Henry and Isabella have been sweethearts since childhood. Long time married but with no children the pair run a seaside pub called The Eagle’s Rest Inn, however the arrival of the brassy Emily Troop changes things forever. When Isabella dies (she commits suicide) Henry very quickly marries Emily and the pair have a child, some years later their young daughter begins to act very strangely towards Henry.

There is a very strange atmosphere throughout this intriguing story that mixes ghosts in with future visions. Isabella is a pretty disturbed individual, caring more the dolls she makes than for anything else. She doesn’t go out and has dreams about the arrival of Emily. All in all this is quite a creepy tale.

production details
UK / BBC-2 / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast 13 October 1976

Writer: William Trevor / Music: Joseph Horovitz / Costumes: Christine Rawlins / Production Design: Sally Hulke / Producer: Irene Shubik / Director: Graham Evans

Series: The Mind Beyond / Episode 3 of 6

cast
ANNA MASSEY as Isabella Ridout
WILLIAM LUCAS as Henry Ridout
DIANA BISHOP as Emily Troop
FREDERICK BENNETT as Mr Palamountain
LIZA HAYDEN as Margaret Ann
PEGGY ANN WOOD as Mrs Addicott
RONALD RUSSEL as Mr Addicott
TONY SYMPSON as Mr Gee
WALLY THOMAS as Old Tom
ALAN HAY as Dr Percival
JOHN BAKER as Mr Baste
PAUL COOPER, TOM COTCHER, JOHN KEARNEY, JOHN SARBUTT as Darts Players