A series of television plays, some original, some based on pre-existing plays or novels.
The Play on One (Season 2)
Heartland (Episode 1)
Writer: Steve Gough
Air date: 1989-02-21
Runtime: 89 min
Overview: In West Wales, Jack and his farming family have built up their dairy herd with vast loans and are then told they must cut back on milk production and slaughter some of the herd. The community launches a campaign against the quotas, but Jack takes the law into his own hands.
These Foolish Things (Episode 2)
Writer: Elizabeth Spender
Air date: 1989-02-28
Runtime: 59 min
Overview: Gutrune's hunt for a husband among the wealthy and aristocratic circles of London is hampered by the fact that her chosen man Nick, a London newspaper editor, is still in love with the wife from whom he is separated.
Govan Ghost Story (Episode 3)
Writer: Bryan Elsley
Air date: 1989-03-07
Runtime: 59 min
Overview: Old memories are awakened in a terrifying and dangerous way when Jock encounters a strange little girl in the high-rise block of flats where he lives. Who is she? What does she want?
The Shawl (Episode 4)
Writer: David Mamet
Air date: 1989-03-14
Runtime: 59 min
Overview: John performs as a spiritual medium, using the visits of a troubled woman to introduce a young man to the mysteries and skills of the clairvoyant. The young man threatens to leave unless John stages a séance that will persuade Miss A to transfer an inheritance to them.
A View of Harry Clark (Episode 5)
Writer: Daniel Boyle
Air date: 1989-03-21
Runtime: 59 min
Overview: Harry Clark is a social worker on the verge of cracking up. His job is to help other people but who's there to help him?
The Gift (Episode 6)
Writer: Colin MacDonald
Air date: 1989-03-28
Runtime: 120 min
Overview: Robert and Gordon, two talented teenage footballers from Wick, are invited to Glasgow for a week's trial with a big club. It is their first taste of professional football, but both the game and the city upset their expectations.
Clowns (Episode 7)
Writer: Gawn Grainger
Air date: 1989-04-04
Runtime: 45 min
Overview: Arthur is about to celebrate his 80th birthday and his family is gathering for a party. It is a time for celebration, but also for family tensions and a reassessment of how we all spend our lives.
Biting the Hands (Episode 8)
Writer: Rona Munro
Air date: 1989-04-11
Runtime: 45 min
Overview: Two Scottish women doing a feminist cabaret act in a seedy pub have to choose between principle and profit when success on the alternative cabaret circuit beckons.
A Master of the Marionettes (Episode 9)
Writer: Guy Hibbert
Air date: 1989-04-18
Runtime: 75 min
Overview: Teddy Rose is a committed and successful salesman, allaying suburban insecurity with domestic alarm systems. But one evening, violence confronts him face to face.
Unexplained Laughter (Episode 10)
Writer: Alun Owen
Air date: 1989-04-25
Runtime: 70 min
Overview: Unlucky in love Lydia retreats to the Welsh hills for a consoling visit to her old friend Betty. But things may not be as amiable as they seem.
Seasons
Episodes 8
Episodes 10
Episodes 6
Episodes 6