Have a Nice Death (2 Jun. 1984)

In New York to promote his new book 'Women Weeping' British author Sam Luke jauntily dismisses claims that it is sexist in a television interview. However, when he returns to his hotel ... See full summary »

Director:

William Slater

Writers:

Antonia Fraser (story), Wolf Mankowitz (dramatisation)

Stars:

Simon Cadell, Kate Harper, Susannah Fellows

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
Simon Cadell	...	Sam Luke
Kate Harper	...	Clodagh Jansen
Susannah Fellows	...	Joannie
Ian Tyler	...	Bellhop
Bill Bailey	...	Bob
Sue Vanner	...	Zara Luke
Barbara Rosenblat	...	TV Interviewer

Storyline

In New York to promote his new book 'Women Weeping' British author Sam Luke jauntily dismisses claims that it is sexist in a television interview. However, when he returns to his hotel suite unpleasant things start to happen. A phone caller rings to say' "Have a nice death," after which a package containing one of his books arrives and explodes upon opening. Sam is starting to get scared. If only he was at home with his wife everything would be all right. Wouldn't it?

---

Genres:

Horror | Thriller

---

Details

Release Date:

2 June 1984 (UK)

Company Credits

User Reviews

Average tale of the unexpected.

Tales of the Unexpected: Have a Nice Death is set in New York where British author Sam Luke (Simon Cadell) is promoting his best selling sexist book 'Women Weeping', while in his high rise hotel room Sam receives a threatening phone call which worries him. Then the next day he gets a package with one of his books inside which explodes when opened, Sam is convinced he is going to be killed...

This Tales of the Unexpected story was episode 4 from season 7 that originally aired here in the UK during June 1984, directed by William Slater this is a pretty poor episode. The story by Antonia Fraser was dramatised by Wolf Mankowitz & is another dull crime thriller drama with a supposed twist which is anything but. Overall this is a totally forgettable, predictable & dour 30 odd minutes form a series which has frankly produced many. The repetitive plot lacks any spark, any action, any excitement, any decent likable character's or pace.

This episode features possibly the worst New York skyline ever, it looks like it was made from cardboard boxes. I mean couldn't they get a photograph or something? Anyway, besides that unintentionally hilarious piece of bad film-making this is set in the same apartment throughout & is rather bland. The acting isn't great here despite the familiar British cast.

Have a Nice Death has a great title but does nothing with it, overall this is a pretty poor & pointless story.