This is a quite brilliant piece of TV drama that sadly has been little seen but deserves a wide audience. Part of the exceptional "Thriller" series, this is one of the very best and would make my top three.
In the story Stan Kay is an American jazz pianist visiting the UK. On a routine call to the bank there is an armed robbery in which his wife is killed and he is blinded. Ten years later Stan returns to the UK and is about to play at an upmarket party. While playing he hears the voice of the robber from the past. He is totally shaken and determined to find him but how can a blind man do this? Unfortunately Stan finds that he is not the only one who is determined to find his man...
This episode is close to flawless. The storyline is truly intriguing. Various suspects among the apparently upstanding party crowd are cleverly signalled. However the performance makes it really special. Stan's dignity and,later, vulnerability are superbly communicated by Bradford Dillman. The direction by Robert Tronson is inspired and makes the latter part of the action, in which Stan is being stalked by the man he can incriminate, almost unbearable to watch. The final minutes are incredibly tense. The last scene is marvelously poignant. One really feels for Stan, whose blindness is handled skilfully and sensitively, really heightening the drama.
All the key acting performances are expertly done. Special note should go to Catherine Schell as Kay's elegant and supportive assistant, Terence Sewards and Ray Smith. Welshman Ray employs a sometimes shaky Cockney accent here but carries his role as a bluff, distrustful security guard with aplomb. There is also a small but significant early role for Nigel Havers as a drunken, lecherous party guest.
The excellent script was the last one for the show written by Terrence Feely. There was a slight fall in quality after this until the great finale "Death In Deep Water", also starring the fine Dillman. If you do get the opportunity, don't miss this neglected gem!
