Blade on the Feather (1980)

Recommended

UK

Television Film

Director: Richard Loncraine

Writer: Dennis Potter

Cinematographer: Peter Hannan

Cast: Donald Pleasence, Tom Conti, Denholm Elliott, Kika Markham, Phoebe Nicholls

An aristocratic family are enjoying an idyllic summer’s day in their palatial grounds – the father is sitting quietly, reading and dozing fitfully; the trophy wife and comely daughter playing a leisurely game of tennis; the knowing butler attending to their needs – when an unexpected and unwanted guest arrives, forcing his way into the their evening plans, bringing up questions of history, class, and politics, in this beautifully drawn, expertly acted, and deliciously surprising television play. Iain.Stott