The Mrs Bradley Mysteries

The Mrs Bradley Mysteries
Genre Period crime drama
Created by Gladys Mitchell (character)
Directed by James Hawes and Martin Hutchings[1]
Starring Diana Rigg
Neil Dudgeon
Theme music composer Ray Henderson and Matthew Scott
Opening theme "You're the Cream in My Coffee"
Country of origin United Kingdom
Original language(s) English
No. of series 1
No. of episodes 5
Production
Executive producer(s) Mal Young[1]
Producer(s) Deborah Jones
Running time 60 mins
90 mins (special)
Release
Original network BBC One
Original release 31 August 1998 (1998-08-31) – 6 February 2000 (2000-02-06)[2]

The Mrs Bradley Mysteries is a British drama series starring Diana Rigg as Adela Bradley, and Neil Dudgeon as her chauffeur George Moody. The series was produced by the BBC for its BBC One channel between 31 August 1998 and 6 February 2000, based on the character created by detective writer Gladys Mitchell.[3] Five episodes were produced, including a pilot special. Graham Dalby provided the theme music, an instrumental version of the 1928 song "You're the Cream in My Coffee", and he appeared with his orchestra in two episodes. Stylish images of the 1920s are featured, including a classic Rolls Royce limousine and art deco fashions and jewellery worn by the title character.

Episodes

Pilot: Speedy Death

After making a shocking appearance at her ex-husband's funeral, Mrs. Adela Bradley, accompanied by her loyal chauffeur George, visits an old friend whose daughter has just become engaged. When the groom-to-be turns up dead, Mrs. Bradley must navigate her goddaughter's tragic past to learn the truth.

Supporting cast

John Alderton as Alastair Bing; Lynda Baron as Mrs. MacNamara; Emma Fielding as Eleanor Bing, aka 'Mouse'; Simeon Andrews as Family Doctor; Tom Butcher as Bertie Philipson; Tyler Butterworth as Ferdinand Bradley; Emma Davies as Hermione Bradley; John Conroy as Henry Baxter; Sue Devaney as Mabel Jones; Tristan Gemmill as Garde Bing; Andrew Hallett as Constable; Roger Grainger as Funeral Vicar; Alec Linstead as Wedding Vicar; Carmela Marner as Pamela Storbin.

Episode 1: Death at the Opera

Mrs. Bradley pays a visit to her alma mater, a posh boarding school she seems to have a low opinion of. Whilst there, she befriends some of the more promising students, only for one of the teachers to turn up dead. With George's assistance, she learns more of the teachers' quirks and the dark secrets hidden by some of the students. The pair also meet Inspector Christmas, a charming and astute policeman who's a huge fan of Adela's.

Supporting cast

Peter Davison as Inspector Christmas; Roy Barraclough as Dr Simms; David Tennant as Max Valentine; James Hurn as Alfie; Amy Marston as Agnes Delamere; Annabelle Apsion as Mona Bunting; Elaine Claxton as Miss Ferris; Susan Wooldridge as Mrs Simms; Monique DeVilliers as Clementine; Carli Norris as Plum Fisher; Ken Oxtoby as Mr Jenner

Episode 2: The Rising of the Moon

Supporting cast

Peter Davison as Inspector Christmas; Meera Syal as Madame Marlene; Kenneth Colley as Archie; Francis Magee as Castries; Sheila Steafel as Celestine; Peter Gallagher as Little Bernard; Nikki McInnes as Lilly; Big Mick as Tom; Felicity Montagu as Ruby Larkin; Richard Baglow as Peter; James Baglow as Francis; Nick Woodeson as John Forrester; Janine Duvitski as Mrs. Cockerton.

Episode 3: Laurels Are Poison

Mrs. Bradley visits her oldest friend, who is unprepared for Adela's colorful behavior. When the cook is murdered, the household begins to unravel, and Mrs. Bradley must put her detective and literary skills to work again.

Supporting cast

Phyllida Law as Isabel; Joanna Roth as Lacey; Ronan Vibert as Douglas; Michele Dotrice as Amy Parkin; Valerie Gogan as Jessie; Michael Fox as Ronnie; Kenneth MacDonald as Alf; Stuart Bunce as Seth.

Episode 4: The Worsted Viper

Mrs. Bradley and George make a trip to Cornwall to surprise Inspector Christmas, who's being honored for his recent work. When a local girl turns up murdered, Adela is horrified to see connections to an old case of hers. When the killer targets someone close to George, it's a race against time unravel the secrets of the worsted viper.

Supporting cast

Peter Davison as Inspector Christmas; Pooky Quesnel as Delilah Hicks; Isla Blair as Myrtle Quincey; Rebecca Callard as Cecily Moody; Jason O'Mara as Jake Hicks; Matthew Burgess as Constable Sharp; Charlotte Francis as Temperance Baines; John Bowe as Reverend Baines; Alex Palmer as Lester Hicks; Katy Lown as Polly; Eddie Marsan as Ronald Quincey.

Broadcast

The series was shown in the United States by PBS broadcaster WGBH as part of its Mystery! anthology strand, and introduced by Diana Rigg.[4] The full series was also aired in Australia in 2011 by the Seven Network's station 7Two.

References

  1. 1 2 Full credits at IMDb
  2. ↑ Episode list at IMDb
  3. ↑ Osmond, Andrew Glad to Be on TV at Gladys Mitchell Tribute site
  4. ↑ MYSTERY! Host Diana Rigg Turns Detective at pbs.org (Retrieved 20 May 2013)
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