A Disturbing Case
A Disturbing Case represents the second installment of the 1969 UK television series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), produced by ITC Entertainment and featuring performances by Mike Pratt, Kenneth Cope, and Annette Andre. This episode first broadcast on 28 September 1969 via ITV and was helmed by director Ray Austin.
Synopsis
After being forcefully pushed against a door by hospital enforcers Phillip and Pentonville, Jeff Randall initially loses consciousness. However, under hypnosis, he manages to overcome five adversaries in combat, including Dr. Conrad. Marty showcases his supernatural capability by pulling a door toward Jeff’s head and comments on his enhanced navigation skills when teleporting.
Cast
- Mike Pratt as Jeff Randall
- Kenneth Cope as Marty Hopkirk
- Annette Andre as Jeannie Hopkirk
- Judith Arthy as Jennifer
- Patrick Jordan as Smart
- Les White as Hales, Chauffeur
- Charles Morgan as Arthur Phillips
- Michael Griffiths as Inspector Nelson
- Adrian Ropes as Sergeant
- David Bauer as Dr. Conrad
- Gerald Flood as Dr. Lambert
- Geoffrey Reed as First Male Nurse
- Max Faulkner as Second Male Nurse
- William Mervyn as Whitty
Production
The exterior scenes depicting The Lambert Clinic Nursing Home were shot at The Grocer's Institute located on Grange Lane, Letchmore Heath. The outside of Whitty’s residence was filmed at a private property named Aragon on Aldenham Road in Letchmore Heath. Scenes set at Arthur Phillips’ house utilized backlot facilities at ABC Elstree studios in Borehamwood.
This episode marks the introduction of Jeannie’s younger sister, Jenny, played by Australian actress Judith Arthy, reflecting Annette Andre’s own heritage. Jenny is portrayed as unemployed and currently residing with Jeannie after relocating from a rural area outside London.
A completed print of this episode was ready by late August 1969. ITC promotional materials identified it as the 22nd episode.
Home media
This installment has been made available on VHS and several DVD releases featuring different bonus content. Released by Carlton, "A Disturbing Case" appeared on DVD alongside the premiere episode, "My Late Lamented Friend and Partner". The fourth region 2 DVD included a silent behind-the-scenes clip lasting 1 minute and 6 seconds, filmed by a second unit team using stand-ins.