Curtain of Fear, a British series from 1964, unfolds over six half-hour episodes, presenting a story centered on Clare Linton (Colette Wilde), a cabaret artist who performs under the stage name “Miss Memory,” and has the ability to recall entire conversations while under hypnosis. Clare’s unique talent is thrust into the spotlight after she unintentionally overhears a dying Russian agent, Rassilov (Reginald Jessup), reciting coded information before his death. This moment places Clare and those around her into the path of both British and Russian agents, who are keen to obtain the valuable data from her subconscious.
The story follows Clare’s subsequent abduction, alongside her brother Peter Linton (John Breslin), and their manipulation by various parties, including Hans Liebert (William Franklyn), a sinister figure who seeks to use Clare’s abilities for his own gain. While Clare is held captive, her fiancé, Stewart Caxton (George Baker), sets out on a perilous search to locate and rescue her, navigating a world of espionage, secrets, and deception.
The series also introduces Colonel Powell (John Harvey), Tannikov (George Pravda), Helen Tovey (Jan Holden), Inspector Phelps (Frederick Hall), Renko (Norman Jones), Charles Shand (William Lucas), Duffy (Glenn Williams), John Myers (William Sherwood), Regan (Gerald Sim), French (Martin Friend), Georgi (Makki Marseilles), and Jefferson (Alan Curtis), all of whom add their own specific motivations into this tale of intrigue.
The series also reveals that Clare’s brother, Peter, was responsible for giving her hypnotic powers, whilst also struggling with an ongoing addiction to drugs. The coded information is also revealed to refer to traitors operating on both sides of the Iron Curtain.
Our View
Curtain of Fear established a suspenseful atmosphere utilizing a unique premise centered around a performer with a unique ability to retrieve memories, and a complicated story involving international espionage and double dealing. The series’ plot relies heavily on the manipulation of Clare, and its exploration of both personal and international conflict.
Production Details
UK / BBC Two / 6×30 minute episodes / 28 October – 2 December 1964
Writer: Victor Canning / Music: Dudley Simpson and Mick Barker Quartet / Producer and Director: Gerald Blake
Main Cast
Clare Linton (Colette Wilde)
Peter Linton (John Breslin)
Stewart Caxton (George Baker)
Hans Liebert (William Franklyn)
Colonel Powell (John Harvey)
Tannikov (George Pravda)
Helen Tovey (Jan Holden)
Inspector Phelps (Frederick Hall)
Renko (Norman Jones)
Charles Shand (William Lucas)
Duffy (Glenn Williams)
John Myers (William Sherwood)
Regan (Gerald Sim)
French (Martin Friend)
Georgi (Makki Marseilles)
Jefferson (Alan Curtis)
Rassilov (Reginald Jessup)