Watch P.D. James: Shroud for a Nightingale
- 1984
- 1 Season
P.D. James: Shroud for a Nightingale is a gripping British crime drama series produced by Anglia Television. The show is based on the novel of the same name by P.D. James. The series stars a talented cast, including Roy Marsden, Joss Ackland, Sheila Allen, Liz Fraser, Thelma Whiteley, Andree Evans, John Vine, Rosalyn Elvin, Natalie Ogle, Judi Maynard, Sarah Thomas, and Marcia Tucker.
The series centers around a series of murders that take place in a prestigious nursing school located in London. The first murder of a student named Pammy Harcourt sets the stage for the rest of the series. Detective Adam Dalgliesh, played by Roy Marsden, is called to investigate the case. At first, it appears to be a straightforward case, but when another student is murdered, it becomes clear that something far more sinister is happening.
As Dalgliesh digs deeper into the case, he discovers that the nursing school has a dark history. The students at the school are ambitious, driven, and highly competitive, which puts a lot of pressure on them to succeed. As the investigation progresses, Dalgliesh discovers that there are a number of suspects, each with their own motives for killing.
One of the main suspects is the school's matron, Miss Cordell, played by Sheila Allen. Cordell is a strict disciplinarian who expects her students to adhere to a set of rigid rules. She is not well-liked by the students, and many of them find her overbearing and intimidating.
Another suspect is the school's senior tutor, Dr. Alex Mair, played by Joss Ackland. Mair is a brilliant physician who is highly respected by the students and staff alike. However, Dalgliesh soon discovers that Mair has a hidden past that could be connected to the murders.
As the investigation progresses, Dalgliesh is helped by a number of other characters, including Kate Miskin, played by Sarah Thomas, who works as his detective sergeant. Kate is a reliable and trustworthy colleague who is always willing to lend a hand.
Another character who plays a key role in the series is Sister Mary McPherson, played by Thelma Whiteley. Sister Mary is the school's chaplain, and she provides a calming influence on the students during a time of great stress.
The series is set against the backdrop of the nursing school, which is beautifully captured by the show's cinematography. The series is shot in a way that is both atmospheric and haunting, which adds to the tension of the story.
Overall, P.D. James: Shroud for a Nightingale is a compelling crime drama that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The series is beautifully acted, and the story is both complex and intriguing. The show is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and mystery novels.