Duration
125 minutes

Quick Summary

WANTED FOR MURDER - In this gripping British TV drama movie, a desperate son of a hangman (Eric Portman) embarks on a murderous spree to earn his father's approval, with Dulcie Gray as his conflicted counterpart. A chilling crime saga that delivers programme highlights for UK viewers, perfect for a quick overview at a glance in any television guide or Talking Pictures TV programming slot.

About This Program

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW WANTED FOR MURDER is a gripping British TV crime drama that first aired in the early 1950s. The series follows a troubled son who, desperate to win the approval of his hangman father, embarks on a dark spree of murdering women. Starring the formidable Eric Portman as the conflicted protagonist and Dulcie Gray as the determined inspector, the programme blends psychological tension with classic whodunit intrigue. This comprehensive guide offers full details for UK viewers seeking an in‑depth review of a landmark piece of British TV history. WHAT TO EXPECT VIEWERS WILL BE DRAWN INTO A TAUT NARRATIVE THAT UNFOLDS OVER A SINGLE EPISODE, delivering a self‑contained story that feels like a feature‑length movie. The plot is meticulously crafted, revealing the protagonist’s twisted motives through flashbacks and interrogations that keep the audience guessing until the final reveal. The series balances stark realism with atmospheric set‑pieces, creating a chilling portrait of a man torn between familial loyalty and murderous compulsion. Expect a compelling blend of suspense, moral ambiguity, and period‑accurate production values that make each scene feel like a page from a classic crime novel. KEY FEATURES UNIQUE SELLING POINTS INCLUDE THE STELLAR PERFORMANCES OF ERIC PORTMAN AND DULCIE GRAY, whose chemistry adds depth to the cat‑and‑mouse dynamic. The production values are noteworthy for their time, with meticulous set design, authentic 1950s costumes, and a haunting musical score that heightens tension. The series is a rare example of early British television daring to explore the psychology of a killer, positioning it as a forerunner of modern crime dramas. As a standalone episode, it offers the completeness of a movie while retaining the intimacy of a television drama, making it an essential entry in any UK television guide. WHY WATCH THIS DRAMA IS A MUST‑SEE FOR DISCERNING UK VIEWERS who appreciate quality programming that challenges conventional narratives. It provides a fascinating glimpse into post‑war British society, reflecting contemporary anxieties about authority, justice, and the role of the hangman—a figure now largely forgotten. The series’ tight storytelling, strong characterisation, and moral complexity resonate with modern audiences, offering both entertainment and a thoughtful commentary on the human condition. For fans of crime drama, psychological thrillers, and classic British TV, WANTED FOR MURDER delivers an unforgettable viewing experience. Talking Pictures TV PROGRAMMING CONTEXT WANTED FOR MURDER FITS SEAMLESSLY INTO THE RICH TRADITION OF Talking Pictures TV PROGRAMMING THAT COMBINES DRAMA, DOCUMENTARY, AND ENTERTAINMENT. Though originally broadcast on a different network, its style and production ethos echo the high‑quality standards associated with Talking Pictures TV’s crime anthology series. Modern UK viewers can locate the programme through the BBC iPlayer archive or special retrospectives that celebrate seminal British TV series. Including this title in a television guide highlights the enduring appeal of classic British drama and offers a valuable reference point for the evolution of the crime genre on UK television.

Wanted for Murder broadcasts on Talking Pictures TV at 3:55pm, Saturday, 20 September 2025. (Subtitles)