The Singing Detective

TV Mini Series
1986
15
1h 10m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

Tormented and bedridden by a debilitating disease, a mystery writer relives his detective stories through his imagination and hallucinations.Tormented and bedridden by a debilitating disease, a mystery writer relives his detective stories through his imagination and hallucinations.Tormented and bedridden by a debilitating disease, a mystery writer relives his detective stories through his imagination and hallucinations.

Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

8.5/10

YOUR RATING

Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Won 3 BAFTA Awards
- 6 wins & 8 nominations total

Episodes6

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TopTop-rated Season 1986

Photos24

+ 16

Top cast62

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Michael Gambon

Philip Marlow

Patrick Malahide

Mark Binney…

Joanne Whalley

Nurse Mills

David Ryall

Mr. Hall

Gerard Horan

Reginald

Leslie French

Mr. Tomkey…

Ron Cook

First Mysterious Man

George Rossi

Second Mysterious Man

Sharon D. Clarke

Night Nurse

Lyndon Davies

Philip (aged 10)

Geff Francis

Porter

Janet Suzman

Nicola

Alison Steadman

Mrs. Marlow…

Jim Carter

Mr. Marlow

Imelda Staunton

Staff Nurse White

Janet Henfrey

Schoolteacher

Bill Paterson

Dr. Gibbon

William Speakman

Mark Binney (aged 10)…

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9:57

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
The first time Sir Michael Gambon was wheeled onto set in his full make-up, all the cast and crew were reduced to a stunned silence. Gambon broke the ice by saying "What's all this fuss about Chernobyl then? I went there for a holiday and it didn't do me any harm."

Quotes
Philip Marlow: I used to think that all I wanted was the good opinion of honorable men and the ungrudging love of beautiful women. Now I know for sure that all I really want is a cigarette.

Connections
Featured in Arena: Dennis Potter (1987)

Soundtracks
Peg o' My Heart
(uncredited)
Music by Fred Fisher
Performed by Max Harris & His Novelty Trio during the credits

User reviews58

Featured review

Brilliant performance by a child

A search of the comments on "The Singing Detective" turned up only one mention of Lyndon Davies, who played Philip Marlow aged 10. His performance of this really central character was truly remarkable, and it was essential to establishing the basis for the adult Marlow's problems.

It is amazing that a 10-year-old could play the part, which required, among other things, mastering the country dialect, and showing emotional states so convincingly. Probably John Amiel's direction was an important factor in Lyndon's performance -- as well as that of the other children -- but it was really up to Lyndon's talent to bring it off.

Thanks, Lyndon Davies!