Jumping the Queue

I saw this well-focused British television film as a one-parter TV play in 1990 and always remembered its emotional depth and intimacy. It's essentially a chamber piece, a one-woman story, and a story inexorably headed towards tragedy. It is headlined by Sheila Hancock, the actress who chronicled her life with partner and 'television detective 'John Thaw in a touching autobiographical/ biographical volume. The performances are strong and memorable, most of all for the maintenance of sympathetic identification with the lead character. It's a story of one woman's decision in the face of few other options. A fine piece of television theatre, this film has been unavailable since its screening and is seldom repeated. It would be fantastic if this ever became available in any shape or form.

I am so glad to have tracked down the title and year of this production. I remembered Miss Hancock's performance all these years later. I was describing it today and, as I could not remember the title, I resolved to research it on the internet tonight. I particularly remember her rueful thoughts, given by voice-over, and the scene in which she accidentally broke her wine-glass. I do not think a better actress could have been cast in this role, which portrayed a mature woman's regret. There was much unspoken, too, looks conveying all and I think of the TV production each time I see Miss Hancock on TV (a lot lately, 2006, I am glad to say) wishing that the production could be shown again. When I saw it I very much identified with her portrayal and her character's thoughts, as I was then of a similar age. I appreciated the story and after viewing the TV drama I really appreciated Sheila Hancock's acting ability. It is one of those productions which would not date, I am sure.