Home
search
more | tips
IMDb > "The Singing Detective" (1986)

"The Singing Detective" (1986) More at IMDbPro »TV mini-series

Photos (see all 20 | slideshow)

Overview

User Rating:
9.0/10   1,986 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 11% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Contact:
View company contact information for The Singing Detective on IMDbPro.
Seasons:
1 full episode list
Release Date:
16 November 1986 (UK) more
Plot:
Tormented and bedridden by a debilitating disease, a mystery writer relives his detective stories through his imagination and hallucinations. full summary
Awards:
6 wins & 7 nominations more
User Comments:
Greatest television ever made more

Cast

 (Series Cast Summary - 31 of 35)

Michael Gambon ... Philip Marlow (6 episodes, 1986)

Patrick Malahide ... Mark Binney / ... (6 episodes, 1986)

Joanne Whalley ... Nurse Mills (6 episodes, 1986)
David Ryall ... Mr. Hall (6 episodes, 1986)
Gerard Horan ... Reginald (6 episodes, 1986)
Leslie French ... Mr. Tomkey / ... (6 episodes, 1986)
Ron Cook ... First Mysterious Man (6 episodes, 1986)
George Rossi ... Second Mysterious Man (6 episodes, 1986)
Sharon D. Clarke ... Night Nurse (6 episodes, 1986)
Lyndon Davies ... Philip (aged 10) (6 episodes, 1986)
Geff Francis ... Porter (6 episodes, 1986)
Janet Suzman ... Nicola (5 episodes, 1986)
Alison Steadman ... Mrs. Marlow / ... (5 episodes, 1986)
Jim Carter ... Mr. Marlow (5 episodes, 1986)

Imelda Staunton ... Staff Nurse White (5 episodes, 1986)
Janet Henfrey ... Schoolteacher (5 episodes, 1986)
Bill Paterson ... Dr. Gibbon (4 episodes, 1986)
William Speakman ... Mark Binney (aged 10) / ... (4 episodes, 1986)
Wally Thomas ... Grandad Baxter (3 episodes, 1986)
Charles Simon ... George Adams (3 episodes, 1986)
Kate McKenzie ... Sonia (3 episodes, 1986)
Trevor Cooper ... Barman / ... (3 episodes, 1986)
Charon Bourke ... Amanda (2 episodes, 1986)
Simon Chandler ... Dr. Finlay (2 episodes, 1986)
Mary MacLeod ... Sister Malone (2 episodes, 1986)
Thomas Wheatley ... Registrar (2 episodes, 1986)
Ken Stott ... Uncle John (2 episodes, 1986)

Jo Cameron Brown ... Aunt Emily (2 episodes, 1986)
Niven Boyd ... First Soldier (2 episodes, 1986)
Angela Curran ... Mary (2 episodes, 1986)

David Thewlis ... Second Soldier (2 episodes, 1986)
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:
USA:415 min
Country:
Australia | UK
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono
Certification:
Australia:MA | UK:15

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Producer Kenith Trodd originally wanted Nicol Williamson for the lead role. Director Jon Amiel insisted on Michael Gambon instead. (Ironically, Williamson turned down the role when offered it.) more
Quotes:
Philip E. Marlow: Bastards. I'll wipe you out. Don't you know who I am? I'm the... I'm the Singing Detective! more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in "Drama Connections: The Singing Detective (#1.7)" (2005) more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
21 out of 23 people found the following comment useful:-
Greatest television ever made, 5 December 2002
10/10
Author: jgaspar from Sydney, Australia

Dennis Potter was the master of the teleplay and this is the pinnacle of his art. Clever and intelligent dialogue, a brilliant use of non-linear narrative, and a faultless cast all contribute to making this a modern masterpiece.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for "The Singing Detective" (1986)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
David Thewlis and Alison Steadman mswh
Need help with dialogue in episode 5 banapaulo
Soundtrack on CD? lironba
Americans... hoistmypatard
better rating then godfather???? chutzpah210
Robbie Coltrane in Episode 2? dennisharper
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
The Singing Detective Big Fish City of Shoulders and Noses Spellbound Heavenly Creatures
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Episode guide Full cast and crew Company credits
External reviews News articles IMDb TV section
IMDb Drama section IMDb Australia section Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.

Add a new episode

You may add a new episode for this TV series by clicking the 'add episode' button