I saw this TV adaptation of a Ruth Rendell story years ago, and was haunted by it ever after. Unfortunately, I forgot the title, and couldn't seem to locate the story anywhere in Rendell's body of work (which is vast). At last, cross-checking titles at IMDb, I found the novelette "The Strawberry Tree" in Rendell's anthology BLOOD LINES; I think it may be the author's masterpiece, the single tale that stands above her many other fine novels and short stories of psychological suspense.
As for the TV adaptation, I think director Herbert Wise (who helmed I, CLAUDIUS) managed to do the story justice. To say anything about the plot, or even the dark and fascinating idea that drives it, would do an injustice to viewers who haven't read the story, so I'll say no more. Read the story, watch the movie, and see if you are as haunted by Rendell's theme as I was.
As for the TV adaptation, I think director Herbert Wise (who helmed I, CLAUDIUS) managed to do the story justice. To say anything about the plot, or even the dark and fascinating idea that drives it, would do an injustice to viewers who haven't read the story, so I'll say no more. Read the story, watch the movie, and see if you are as haunted by Rendell's theme as I was.
