The Scapegoat (First Night)

"The Scapegoat"
First Night episode
Episode no.Season 1
Episode 22
Directed byPrudence Fitzgerald
Written bySimon Raven
Original air date15 February 1962 (1962-02-15)
Running time70 mins (missing)
Guest appearances
  • Kenneth More as Major Colum Fitzgerald
  • Lyndon Brook as Captain Robert Peterson
  • Frances White as Gillie Moffatt
  • Patrick Newell as Corporal George Moffatt
  • Henley Thomas as Pte Sam Handley
  • James Bree as Capt Edward Phipps
  • Graham James as 2nd Lieut Richard Underwood
  • Anthony Wager as Sergeant-Major
  • Eric Thompson as Pte Charlie Banham
  • Jeremy Wilkin as Capt Andrew Lamont, M.C.
  • Frances White as Gillie Moffatt
  • Michael Blackham as Sgt Balfe

"The Scapegoat" is a 1964 British television play starring Kenneth More.[1][2] It was one of his first television plays after a number of years focusing on films.[3]

It was part of the debut series of the new BBC drama First Night and has been described as "among the notable dramas produced between 1963 and 1964" on British television.[4][5] Despite its popularity, no recordings of the production are known to exist.

Plot

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An inquiry is held into the death of a regimental mascot, the goat, Tiberius. Major Fitzgerald heads the inquiry and uncovers enmity between two officers, Captain Peterson and Captain Lamont.

Reception

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The Daily Telegraph called it "original, ingenuous, executed with exemplary economy" with "an excellent performance by Kenneth More."[6] The Observer said "I couldn't begin to take it seriously but I wouldn't have missed a preposterous second of it."[7]

References

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  1. ^ Richardson, Maurice (16 February 1964). "Torture on the hearthrug". The Observer. p. 23.
  2. ^ "Scandal of the goat". The Birmingham Post & Birmingham Gazette. 15 February 1964. p. 11.
  3. ^ Vagg, Stephen (16 April 2023). "Surviving Cold Streaks: Kenneth More". Filmink.
  4. ^ "The Armchair Theatre Effect". Television Heaven.
  5. ^ Vahimagi, Tise. "Newman, Sydney (1917-1997)". BFI Screenonline.
  6. ^ "Death of a Mascot". The Daily Telegraph. 17 February 1964. p. 14.
  7. ^ Richardson, Maurice (16 February 1964). "Torture on the hearthrug". The Observer. p. 23.
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