War of Darkie Pilbeam, The

1 9 6 8 (UK)
3 x 60 minute episodes

A trilogy of ITV plays set in the North of England during World War II about a black marketeer. Aired in July 1968 on Friday nights at 9.00 pm.

Christine Hargreaves was excellent as Marie, the sister-in-law of the wayward Pilbeam, while Rhoda Lewis as Laura, the spinster turned tart, did her utmost to bring the written hyperbole of her part down to something more recognisable and sympathetic.

The author was Tony Warren, creator of Coronation Street, who seemed hellbent on bringing a laugh or a tear to each line of dialogue, and festooned every statement with heavy-handed references to the period – as if he were afraid we might forget for one second that The War of Darkie Pilbeam was set during WWII.

Darkie Pilbeam
Trevor Bannister
Vera Dobson
Sheila Raynor
Marie Pilbeam
Christine Hargreaves
Laura Pilbeam
Rhoda Lewis
Colin Pilbeam
Terry Gilligan
Tommy Dobson
George Waring
Nell Perrott
Gabrielle Daye
Jeanette Perrott
Caroline Dowdeswell
Louise Perrott
Maggie Don
Ted Pilbeam
John Collin
Ned Boston
Alan Browning