The Scapegoat (First Night)

"The Scapegoat" is a 1964 British television play starring Kenneth More.[1][2] It was one of his first television plays after a number of years focusing on films.[3]

"The Scapegoat"
First Night episode
Episode no.Season 1
Episode 22
Directed byPrudence Fitzgerald
Written bySimon Raven
Produced byJohn Elliot
Original air date15 February 1962 (1962-02-15)
Running time70 mins (missing)
Guest appearances
  • Kenneth More as Major Colum Fitzgerald
  • Lyndon Brook as Captain Robert Peterson
  • Frances White as Gillie Moffatt
  • Patrick Newell as Corporal George Moffatt
  • Henley Thomas as Pte Sam Handley
  • James Bree as Capt Edward Phipps
  • Graham James as 2nd Lieut Richard Underwood
  • Anthony Wager as Sergeant-Major
  • Eric Thompson as Pte Charlie Banham
  • Jeremy Wilkin as Capt Andrew Lamont, M.C.
  • Frances White as Gillie Moffatt
  • Michael Blackham as Sgt Balfe

It was part of the debut series of the new BBC drama First Night and has been described as "among the notable dramas produced between 1963 and 1964" on British television.[4][5] Despite its popularity, no recordings of the production are known to eixst.

Plot

An inquiry is held into the death of a regimental mascot, the goat, Tiberius. Major Fitzgerald heads the inquiry and uncovers enmity between two officers, Captain Peterson and Captain Lamont.

Reception

The Daily Telegraph called it "original, ingenuous, executed with exemplary economy" with "an excellent performance by Kenneth More."[6] The Observer said "I couldn't begin to take it seriously but I wouldn't have missed a preposterous second of it."[7]

References
  1. Richardson, Maurice (16 February 1964). "Torture on the hearthrug". The Observer. p. 23.
  2. "Scandal of the goat". The Birmingham Post & Birmingham Gazette. 15 February 1964. p. 11.
  3. Vagg, Stephen (16 April 2023). "Surviving Cold Streaks: Kenneth More". Filmink.
  4. "The Armchair Theatre Effect". Television Heaven.
  5. Vahimagi, Tise. "Newman, Sydney (1917-1997)". BFI Screenonline.
  6. "Death of a Mascot". The Daily Telegraph. 17 February 1964. p. 14.
  7. Richardson, Maurice (16 February 1964). "Torture on the hearthrug". The Observer. p. 23.


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