It's Dark Outside

196455m

This spin-off from The Odd Man (1962) starred William Mervyn as the acerbic Inspector Rose, who, alongside the soft-hearted pensive Det. Sgt. Swift (Keith Barron), are joined by Anthony (John Carson) and Alice Brand (June Toblin), a barrister and his journalist wife, though not for long. By the second season, the Brands and Swift departed, leaving the calm, cold Rose in prime position, supported by newcomers DS Hunter (Anthony Ainley), his girlfriend Claire (Veronica Strong), and her boozy reporter friend Fred Blaine (John Stratton).

Production

Logo for Granada Television

Seasons

8 Episodes • Premiered 1964

Still image for It's Dark Outside season 1 episode 1: The Grim World of the Brothers Tulk

1. The Grim World of the Brothers Tulk

Harold and Arthur Tulk are a washed up musical hall comedy duo. Harold is picked up carrying a notebook of murdered child Doreen Bates. Swift is convinced of his guilt but when Harold is found dead in his cell, he becomes a suspect.

Still image for It's Dark Outside season 1 episode 2: One Man's Right

2. One Man's Right

Raoul Brissac is guest of honour of the Third Annual Conference of Human Rights International. However, Rose arrives to arrest Brissac for bringing uncut heroin and possible murder; and a hitman has entered the building to kill Brissac.

Still image for It's Dark Outside season 1 episode 3: Speak Ill of the Living

3. Speak Ill of the Living

Prostitute Juliette White is hanged for murder. Barrister Anthony Brand is contacted by dancer Dolores Dacosta, who wants to confess. She claims that she took the victim to White's flat and shot him when found out she stole his wallet.

Still image for It's Dark Outside season 1 episode 4: More Ways of Killing a Cat

4. More Ways of Killing a Cat

Swift opens a parcel fitted with a small detonating device, followed by a second containing a live detonator. Swift recounts his old friend Hammond, who was instituted but is now threatening his life.

Still image for It's Dark Outside season 1 episode 5: Wake the Dead

5. Wake the Dead

An old Irish habitual criminal is released from prison and starts work for a conman who lures victims with a spiritualism scheme. But one has led to suicide, and the ex-con has unwittingly stolen valuable evidence.

Still image for It's Dark Outside season 1 episode 6: A Room with No View

6. A Room with No View

Swift is called to investigate an attack by dogs on a Black musician. Despite living under a slum conditions, he stays silent but asks Alice Brand to write an article to highlight the racket and discover who the real owner is.

Still image for It's Dark Outside season 1 episode 7: A Case for Identification

7. A Case for Identification

A racist is using Swift's identity and rank to gain the confidence of young foreign girls in order to terrorise them. Swift needs to clear his name but has quietly gone missing with a female acquaintance.

Still image for It's Dark Outside season 1 episode 8: You Play the Red and the Black Comes Up

8. You Play the Red and the Black Comes Up

Rose sends Swift to investigate a casino where it appears Brand has been bouncing cheques, but the trail leads back to Miller.

Cast

Photo of William Mervyn

William Mervyn

Chief Insp. Charles Rose

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