Upstairs, Downstairs

"The Key of the Door" is a one‑off drama that aired as part of the BBC’s 1972 “Play for Today” strand. It stars Juliet Stevenson (in an early TV role) as Elizabeth, a bright‑eyed university student who’s just discovered the allure of socialism, and veteran actress Margaret Tyzack as the enigmatic older woman, Mrs. Hargreaves, who pulls Elizabeth into a world of radical politics. The setting is a cramped, smoky student flat in London’s East End, giving the piece a proper gritty feel that feels very much of its time. The story follows Elizabeth’s growing fascination with left‑wing ideas, which quickly turns from academic curiosity to personal involvement when Mrs. Hargreaves invites her to a clandestine meeting. As the episode unfolds, we see Elizabeth grappling with idealism versus the harsh realities of activism – from heated debates in a cramped community centre to a tense, late‑night raid on a printing press. The script never tells you outright what to think; it simply lets the tension between youthful hope and seasoned cynicism build, leaving you wondering whether the “key” she’s looking for is a political solution or a personal awakening. Honestly, it’s not a flawless piece. The pacing does drag a bit in the middle, and some of the period wardrobe looks a tad dated, but the dialogue crackles with wit and the performances are surprisingly good. If you liked the social‑conscience vibe of “Cathy Come Home” or the uneasy charm of “The Prisoner,” you’ll find a lot to enjoy here – just don’t expect a fast‑paced thriller. Rated 15 for language, moderate violence and brief drug references. First terrestrial broadcast was in ’72, and while it’s been repeated on BBC Four, it’s still relatively hard to find on streaming. Fair warning: the low‑budget set design is obvious, but that only adds to its authentic, almost documentary feel. Grab a cuppa and settle in for a thoughtful slice of early‑70s British television.