Radio Review: Charles Paris Mystery in A Reconstructed Corpse. BBC4 Extra.
This episode of the thespian-solves-whodunnits is possibly my favourite Radio adaptation of Simon Brett’s boozy world of actor-cum-sleuth, Charles Paris.
There’s sex (almost), booze (lots), cigarettes (thankfully), the wonderfully camp Maurice played by Jon Glover and of course a mystery set in a theatrical (in this case TV) setting. And we get Brighton, a bent copper and a twist (or two or three twists) at the end to completely throw you off the scent and identify the killer – or not.
Played by Bill Nighy the rather louche Charles takes on the role of a lookalike in a TV crime reconstruction programme after a millionaire businessman (who Charles plays in the reconstructions) goes missing. One whisky leads to another and soon his hunches lead to… well nearly a night of passion with his on/off marital relationship with Frances (Suzanne Burden), a meeting with a crazed beauty and horror in the fridge.
And there’s his dreadful son in law – another sub-plot – about being a super dad – that was genius since the two chaps are poles apart in how they see the world. A brilliant script (Jeremy Front ) gives many a laugh out loud moment.
BBC Radio 4 drama at its best.
Harry Mottram
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2012 and on BBC Sounds
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