Tales of the Unexpected (Season 9)

A British television anthology of stories, often with sinister and wryly comedic undertones, and a twist at the end. With early episodes written and presented by Roald Dahl, the series featured a plethora of big name guest stars.

Skeleton in the Cupboard (Episode 1) 7.0
Writer: Tony Wilmot
Air date: 1987-12-18
Runtime: 27 min
Overview: Robert Smythe is a ruthless executive with a dangerous twenty year old secret. An echo from the past prompts him into a new cover up of the truth, but his wife becomes suspicious.
The Colonel's Lady (Episode 2) 6.5
Writer: Denis Cannan
Air date: 1988-01-08
Runtime: 27 min
Overview: A colonel's comfortable life is disturbed when his wife writes a bestselling book of poetry. Is this evidence that she's having an affair?
The Surgeon (Episode 3) 5.5
Writer: Robin Chapman
Air date: 1988-01-15
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: When wealthy Prince Zawi gives surgeon Robert Sandy a diamond for saving his life, the doctor finds that his new jewel is really more of a liability than an asset.
The Verger (Episode 4) 6.5
Writer: Denis Cannan
Air date: 1988-01-22
Runtime: 27 min
Overview: When devoted verger Albert is forced to resign, he sets out to build a new life. But can he succeed in a modern world that has little time for his old-fashioned ways?
The Facts of Life (Episode 5) 5.5
Writer: Noella Smith
Air date: 1988-01-29
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: When sheltered young son Nicholas travels to London to complete in a fencing competition, he gets caught up in a very strange adventure.
Wink Three Times (Episode 6) 6.0
Air date: 1988-04-15
Runtime: 27 min
Overview: A timid provincial solicitor visits a smart London hotel on a business trip, and becomes embroiled in a curious case of mistaken identity.
The Dead Don't Steal (Episode 7) 6.5
Writer: Robin Chapman
Air date: 1988-04-22
Runtime: 26 min
Overview: Ken Johnson runs a charter plane service with his lover and air stewardess Lilian, who indulges in a little smuggling on his behalf. Then disaster strikes for him when his wife discovers his affair.
The Finger of Suspicion (Episode 8) 5.0
Writer: Robin Chapman
Air date: 1988-04-29
Runtime: 24 min
Overview: Happily married and living in the Middle East, American safe-cracker Steve is suddenly threatened with extradition for a crime he says he didn't commit.
A Time to Die (Episode 9) 5.5
Writer: Robin Chapman
Air date: 1988-05-06
Runtime: 27 min
Overview: Yves's marriage has gone stale and his young mistress has announced that she is pregnant. But he then makes a decision which changes everyone's lives.
Mr Know-All (Episode 10) 7.0
Writer: Paul Ableman
Air date: 1988-05-13
Runtime: 27 min
Overview: When pretty hotel worker Elly is charmed by a guest, archaeologist Max Kelada, it seems that he might not be the man he claims to be.