Watch Malice Aforethought

Malice Aforethought is a British mystery drama from the late 1970s about Dr. Edmund Bickleigh, a country doctor who is not satisfied with his life. He longs for adventure and excitement but feels trapped in a dull marriage to his wife Julia, who constantly reminds him of his responsibilities and the expectations of their social class. When Julia catches him having an affair with his receptionist, Ginny, Edmund sees an opportunity to get rid of his wife and start a new life with Ginny. However, he soon realizes that murder is not as easy as he thought, and that he may have made a terrible mistake.

As the investigation into Julia's death begins, Edmund becomes increasingly paranoid and desperate to cover his tracks. He tries to frame others for the crime, manipulate the evidence, and even commit more murders to maintain his freedom. However, his plans are complicated by the presence of several suspicious characters, including the village police inspector, the local squire, and a curious journalist. Each of them has their own reasons for doubting Edmund's innocence and digging deeper into his past.

The tension and suspense of Malice Aforethought comes from the interplay between these characters and the gradual unraveling of the truth. As Edmund's lies and secrets are exposed, his world starts to crumble around him, and he realizes too late the consequences of his actions. The series explores themes of morality, class, and justice, as well as the psychology of a murderer and the workings of small-town gossip.

One of the strengths of Malice Aforethought is the quality of its writing, which is faithful to the original novel by Francis Iles and captures the atmosphere and language of the era. The dialogue is crisp and witty, with a touch of dark humor that adds to the suspense. The characters are well-developed and have their own quirks and motivations, making them more than just plot devices. The plot twists and turns are also well-paced and keep the audience guessing until the end.

Another notable aspect of Malice Aforethought is the production design, which recreates the English countryside of the 1930s with great accuracy and attention to detail. The costumes, sets, and props all contribute to the authenticity of the period, and the cinematography captures the beauty and darkness of the landscape. The music score is also effective in creating a sense of unease and anticipation.

The cast of Malice Aforethought is led by Hywel Bennett as Dr. Edmund Bickleigh, who delivers a nuanced and chilling performance as a man torn between his desires and his guilt. He portrays Edmund as a complex and flawed character, capable of charm and cruelty, who becomes increasingly unpredictable and dangerous as the story unfolds. Judy Parfitt is equally convincing as Julia, the faithful wife who stands up to her husband's betrayal and fights for her own dignity. Her chemistry with Bennett creates a sense of tragedy and irony, as their marriage is revealed to be more than just a facade.

Other notable performances include Cheryl Campbell as Ginny, the young lover who becomes entangled in Edmund's web of lies and suffers the consequences; Ronald Fraser as the bumbling police inspector who fails to see through Edmund's schemes; and Peter Sallis as the enigmatic squire who may hold the key to the mystery. All of the actors bring their own charm and personality to their roles, creating a rich tapestry of characters that keeps the audience engaged.

In conclusion, Malice Aforethought is a classic British mystery drama that deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation of viewers. Its timeless themes and superb execution make it a compelling and suspenseful journey into the heart of darkness. Whether you are a fan of murder mysteries, period dramas, or great storytelling, this series is sure to satisfy your appetite for quality entertainment.