Customer Reviews

Inspector Morse - The Secret of Bay 5B [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This entry in the Morse series is entertaining, as well as unusual in some respects. The plot basically revolves around the murder of an architect (Michael Gifford) whose body is found in a car left in a parking garage. The investigation yields information which indicates that while Gifford was a talented and successful architect, he was also an unscrupulous rogue who responded vindictively toward women who attempted to terminate sexual relationships with him. A number of possible suspects emerge early in the murder inquiry, including the alcoholic husband of a woman (Rosemary) who had an affair with Gifford, a fellow architect (Brian Pearce) who had been denied a business partnership, and the thief who broke into Gifford's parked car.

As the case progresses, however, Pearce commits suicide and Rosemary's husband dies under suspicious circumstances. The actual perpetrator of Gifford's murder is determined at the latter stages of the mystery. Morse displays his penchant for shrewd analysis, as he evaluates the possible relevance of items such as post cards, expensive paintings, and time stamped parking tickets to the Gifford murder. Ultimately, solving the case hinged upon the presence of a Jaguar automobile at the edge of the forest and a clever bit of trickery involving car keys. For the most part, the character portrayals are excellent. Mel Martin, in particular, played the role of the vain, selfish, and manipulative Rosemary to perfection.
This mystery was also characterized by some unusual and humorous elements. The viewer is confronted with Morse embarking on a potentially romantic relationship with a female pathologist; moreover, Morse is actually invited by an attractive call girl (Camilla) to sample her charms on a gratis basis. Morse's uncomfortable reactions to the overtures of the call girl are both predictable and humorous.

Early on we find Morse relaxing at home listening to Wagner's "Parsifal." Shortly thereafter he misplaces his tickets for that same opera and another opera "Der Rosenkavalier" is casually mentioned. However, that's the end of the opera trail as it has no effect on the actual mystery - although the tickets are eventually found and this diversion becomes part of a nice sidebar between Dr. Grayling Russell, the pathologist, and Morse which continues to run throughout the entry. The mystery involves two murders and a suicide with many suspects - too many? The tale is sprinkled with red herrings and various tangents to lead us a merry chase toward a resolution keyed by a ploy Morse conceives to ensnare the culprits. I initially gave this three stars, but subsequent viewing leads to a better informed four stars.

I have collected all 33 Inspector Morse episodes and in my opinion, it is one of the truly fine British detective series on record. John Thaw plays Morse and becomes the character; a very interesting and unusual person to play a police detective. His sidekick, Sargeant Louis, and the entire supporting cast are great. The scenes of Oxford University are wonderful, as well as scenes of rural England surrounding the town. I enjoyed every one of the episodes. They can be watched many times and you come away with something new. Strongly recommended. Purchase the complete series (boxed set dvd's), if you can afford it. I have some dvd's and some VHS copies.

What's not to like about the Inspector Morse series? There's an impeccable cast in the form of lead actor John Thaw as DCI Morse (I shall not reveal his first name, which seems to be much of a mystery for most of the series, and is revealed in one episode, I shall leave it to new viewers to discover it for themselves!), and his reliable, loyal sidekick/partner DS Lewis (Kevin Whately who went on to have his own series, Inspector Lewis, after Morse ended). The supporting cast members usually play their roles credibly, and then there are the women who attract Morse's attentions (he is such a lush for a pretty face and intelligence).

Anyway, The Secret of Bay 5B contains an interesting plot involving the murder of an architect who also happens to be quite a lothario. As Morse and Lewis dig deeper, they discover that the architect's liaisons might yield clues to his killer's identity. This episode is also fun in that we see some erm, interesting developments between Morse and the attractive pathologist, Dr. Grayling Russell (who is obviously too young for Morse, but what the heck).

For those who are interested, here is the complete episode listing for the Inspector Morse series (I did not watch them in order since I relied on my wonderful local library to supply me with the DVDs). Not watching them in order did not affect my enjoyment of the series, but I love the episodes so much I am seriously considering getting the entire series (I also purchased some used titles individually when I found the library did not carry all of the titles):
First Series (1987)
The Dead of Jericho
The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn
Service of All the Dead

Second Series (1988)
The Wolvercote Tongue
Last Seen Wearing
The Settling of the Sun
Last Bus to Woodstock

Third Series (1989)
Ghost in the Machine
The Last Enemy
Deceived by Flight
The Secret of Bay 5B

Fourth Series (1990)
The Infernal Serpent
The Sins of the Fathers
Driven to Distraction
Masonic Mysteries

Fifth Series (1991)
Second Time Around
Fat Chance
Who Killed Harry Field?
Greeks Bearing Gifts
Promised Land

Sixth Series (1992)
Dead on Time
Happy Families
The Death of the Self
Absolute Conviction
Cherubim and Seraphim

Seventh Series (1993)
Deadly Slumber
The Day of the Devil
Twilight of the Gods

Specials 1995-2000
The Way through the Woods
The Daughters of Cain
Death is Now My Neighbour
The Wench Is Dead
The Remorseful Day