Donati Conspiracy, The

1 9 7 3 (UK)
3 x 50 minute episodes

Debuting on BBC2 on 14 September 1973, this three-part miniseries (written by John Gould) assumes that a totalitarian state has developed in Britain in response to a widespread campaign of terrorist bombings. Or – if you like – that violent opposition has become widespread in response to an increasingly repressive regime.

Student Robert Sadler (Richard Beckinsale) is on trial for committing an act of terrorism on the fluoridisation plant at a reservoir that may have been pumping tranquillisers into the water supply.

Found guilty by three judges (but no jury), Sadler is sentenced to death.

High ranking government security official Paul Frederick (Anthony Valentine) can save him, but only if someone will name Sadler’s accomplices – and there are only ten days to go.

Professor Michael Donati (Michael Aldridge) is something of a figurehead for the anti-government movement. He is a former close friend and former tutor of Frederick’s and his disabled wife Jane (Janet Key). He is also tutor to Robert Sadler.

Frederick is convinced that Donati is the key to unlocking the terrorist conspiracy.

Another three-part BBC miniseries – State of Emergency (1975) – was a continuation of The Donati Conspiracy.

Professor Michael Donati
Michael Aldridge
Paul Frederick
Anthony Valentine
Jane Frederick
Janet Key
Robert Sadler
Richard Beckinsale
Dave Dent
Ian Gelder
Sally Ross
Mary Tamm
Minister
Anthony Woodruff
Det. Chief Insp. Sandman
James Bree
Det. Sgt. Cole
Jonathan Adams
Father Superior
James Copeland
Mr Sadler
Windsor Davies
Father Conrad
Donald Gray
Mrs Blake
Sally Lahee
Dr Murphy
Richard Simpson

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