Tales of the Unexpected

Although Roald Dahl is most famous for his children's books, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach, he was also an accomplished writer of adult fiction. His famous and sinister adult creation was the TV adaptation of Tales of the Unexpected.

First transmitted on ITV in 1979, its iconic title sequence and haunting theme tune (from prolific TV composer Ron Grainer) ensured that Tales of the Unexpected was memorable viewing. With each stand-alone episode featuring guest stars such as Oscar winners Sir John Gielgud (Arthur, Becket) and Jose Ferrer (Cyrano de Bergerac), Joan Collins (Dynasty), Peter Bowles (Rumpole of the Bailey) and Brian Blessed (Flash Gordon), the tales all have a twist to entertain and, more often than not, shock the viewer. Sometimes gory but always surprising, this set contains all nine episodes from the programme's first series.

Disc 1:
Man From the South
Mrs. Bixby and the Colonel's Coat
William and Mary
Lamb to the Slaughter
The Landlady
Neck

Disc 2:
Edward the Conqueror
A Dip in the Pool
The Way up to Heaven