Sad to say that this is a very depressing hour long TV drama that features one of the greatest stage and screen actresses to grace the boards over the past 60 years. Glenda Jackson and that voice, still as powerful in the 2020's, mesmerizing, along with veteran character actor Denholm Elliot, will be the drawing card for viewers from around the world to watch this British TV anthology show, but it is a very depressing subject, and certainly not as well developed as other theatrical triumphs of the time. Sort of a streamlined "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf", this deals with unhappy relationships and starts off quite violently with the flick of a knife across Jackson's face which leads to her self-examination and confessions to boss Elliot. Brutal boyfriend David Sumner cuts her to the quick, both psychologically and physically, causing her to run out. She believes there will be no scar, but obviously there is a psychological scar and that leads her to jumping into the arms of Elliot, although this obviously takes place off screen.
Gwen Watford is also present as the other woman, a stunning presence, far more gentle than Jackson's character, perplexing Elliot for her betrayal. But none of these characters are exactly likeable, and the story is basically told through constant dialogue from the four characters, not really revealing any positive aspects about any of them. The way they discuss each other and themselves indicates that none of these people like themselves let alone the people that they are involved with, so it is quite difficult to feel any compassion for them. Yet any film that has Jackson in it is worth watching because she definitely commands the screen, and the other performances are equally as mesmerizing. I don't expect my TV dramas with comic elements to be happy and peppy and bursting with laughter, but not really feeling the impact of this one.
Gwen Watford is also present as the other woman, a stunning presence, far more gentle than Jackson's character, perplexing Elliot for her betrayal. But none of these characters are exactly likeable, and the story is basically told through constant dialogue from the four characters, not really revealing any positive aspects about any of them. The way they discuss each other and themselves indicates that none of these people like themselves let alone the people that they are involved with, so it is quite difficult to feel any compassion for them. Yet any film that has Jackson in it is worth watching because she definitely commands the screen, and the other performances are equally as mesmerizing. I don't expect my TV dramas with comic elements to be happy and peppy and bursting with laughter, but not really feeling the impact of this one.