First Broadcast
1987-2000
Starring
George Baker, Christopher Ravenscroft, Louie Ramsey
Background
TVS decided to start with ‘Wolf to the Slaughter’ the second of Ruth Rendell’s Chief Inspector Wexford mysteries to be published. This first four-part film was shot on tape, so doesn’t really resemble the rest of the Wexford shows, which were filmed. This pilot was well received and eventually 22 more Inspector Wexford investigations were made.
The Story
The gruff Inspector, who polices the fictional area of Kingsmarkham, tends to take an intellectual approach to his investigations, delving into the psyche of the criminal, rather than focusing on forensics.
He’s assisted by Inspector Mike Burden, who Wexford leaves to concentrate on the facts while he thinks his way through the case. A very cerebral copper, Wexford loves his food, a pint, his family and a good, gruesome mystery.
Episodes
The Inspector Wexford books which have been filmed include: Wolf to The Slaughter, A Guilty Thing Surprised, Shake Hands for Ever, No Crying He Makes, No More Dying Then, A Sleeping Life, The Veiled One, Some Lie And Some Die, The Best Man To Die, An Unkindness Of Ravens, Put On by Cunning and A New Lease of Death. Harm Done was the last of the books to be filmed.
Location
Ruth Rendell claimed that the market town of Kingsmarkham, was in the mid-Sussex area, thought to be inspired by Midhurst. But for the series, the location was moved to Hampshire with Romsey as the setting for the fictional town.
Trivia
George Baker won the title role when the director heard him in an adjoining edit suite, where a Miss Marple mystery was being cut. He heard the actor’s voice, called his agent and offered him the job.
