Television World Theatre: The Government Inspector (9 Feb. 1958)

Writers:

D.J. Campbell (novel), Nikolai Gogol (author),

Stars:

Reginald Barratt, Douglas Blackwell, Alexis Bobrinskoy

Cast

Episode credited cast:
Reginald Barratt	...	Yosif
Douglas Blackwell	...	1st Constable
Alexis Bobrinskoy	...	Genrarme
Wilfrid Brambell	...	The Postmaster
Bernard Callaghan	...	Townsman
Helen Christie	...	Anna
Peter Copley	...	School Superintendant
Roy Dotrice	...	Soldier
Hamilton Dyce	...	3rd Merchant
John Gill	...	Dobchinsky
David Grahame	...	Townsman
Alice Greenwood	...	Townswoman
Tony Hancock	...	Hlestakov
Reginald Hearne	...	Police Superintendant
John Herrington	...	Townsman

Storyline

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 February 1958 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

75 min

Color:

Black and White

User Reviews

much better than expected, this is a gem

A very enjoyable BBC play, recorded live in 1958 and including such familiar faces as Wilfred Brambell as the twitchy postmaster who opens all the letters, Peter Copley as the nervous schoolmaster, and Tony Hancock in a rare 'straight' role as the inspector - but is he really what he seems?

The Russian classic by Gogol might have lost a little of its bite in this version but the calibre of the cast leave it eminently watchable, and the quality of the translation is excellent, with several amusing lines amongst what is really a parable against greed, corruption, and false pride.

A word also on the picture quality and sound quality which are both excellent, given the age of this TV play. It is sad that so few of these recordings now make it onto the small screen, but it was lovely to get the opportunity to see this in the cinema at the BFI and I will look out for future showings of classic but forgotten drama.