Outsider, The (ITV 1983 with John Duttine and Carol Royle)

Michael J. Bird’s last drama serial The Outsider sees journalist Frank Scully getting involved in a mystery whilst visiting friends in the small Yorkshire town of Micklethorpe.

Spotting a job opportunity he ends up taking over local newspaper The Messenger and soon discovers that the town holds more than a few secrets.

As he settles in Scully becomes friendly with Sylvia Harper who runs the print factory used by The Messenger.

production details
UK / ITV – Yorkshire TV / 6×60 minute episodes / Broadcast 30 September – 4 November 1983

Writer: Michael J. Bird / Music: Alan Hawkshaw / Producer: Michael Glynn / Executive Producer: David Cunliffe / Director: Frank W. Smith

cast
John Duttine as Frank Scully
Carol Royle as Fiona Neave
Joanna Dunham as Sylvia Harper
Norman Eshley as Donald Harper
Pauline Letts as Miss Banner
Michael Sheard as Reuben Flaxman
Ted Morris as Tom Holliday

THE EPISODES
1. A DEATH IN THE FAMILY
2. THE LEGACY
3. A QUESTION OF JUDGEMENT
4. VACANT POSSESSION
5. THE HOMECOMING
6. WOUND FOR WOUND

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.