The Play on One (Season 3)

A series of television plays, some original, some based on pre-existing plays or novels.

  • Poster for Changing Step

    Changing Step (Episode 1)

    Writer: Antony Sher

    Air date: 1990-07-26

    Runtime: 75 min

    Overview: Spring 1917: the privileged world of Sorn Castle is upside down, its stately rooms full of amputees from the Western Front. While the local aristocracy makes a first attempt at nursing, a romance blossoms.

  • Poster for The Wreck on the Highway

    The Wreck on the Highway (Episode 2)

    Writer: Colin MacDonald

    Air date: 1990-08-02

    Overview: Washed up country-and-western singer John McGuire is broke and his family is emigrating. He and grandson Billy share the same dreams. They run away together in search of John's wealthy American ex-co-star Betsy Hall.

  • Poster for Killing Time

    Killing Time (Episode 3)

    Writer: Kevin Elyot

    Air date: 1990-08-09

    Overview: DHSS clerk Martin meets 17-year-old Harry, who is sleeping rough, and invites him to stay for the weekend. Martin begins to trust Harry. Could this be the love that they are both looking for?

  • Poster for Obituaries

    Obituaries (Episode 4)

    Writer: David Conville

    Air date: 1990-08-16

    Runtime: 55 min

    Overview: In a nursing home, 'Chalky' White and Timothy Apcar compete for the privilege of shaking the Royal hand. The Daily Telegraph is the battleground, the obituary columns the challenge. As the game progresses it soon becomes clear that both are in deadly earnest.

  • Poster for Separation

    Separation (Episode 5)

    Writer: Tom Kempinski

    Air date: 1990-08-23

    Runtime: 65 min

    Overview: When New York actress Sarah Weiss calls London playwright Joe, they begin a special relationship conducted through trans-Atlantic phone calls. Both have special conditions they both have to fight to overcome their separation.

  • Poster for Yellowbacks

    Yellowbacks (Episode 6)

    Writer: Malcolm McKay

    Air date: 1990-08-30

    Runtime: 65 min

    Overview: In a very near-future Britain, when draconian powers have been given to the authorities under the new Secret Emergency Provisions of the Dangerous Disease Act, Dr Juliet Horwitz finds herself hooded, handcuffed and interrogated by a ruthless pair, as does scientist Alex McPherson, both of whom are the key to finding Martin Pitt, a virus carrier who has disappeared.

The Play on One

Seasons