The Charmer (1989)

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Starring: Nigel Havers, Bernard Hepton, Rosemary Leach, Fiona Fullerton, David McKail. Based on the novel ‘Mr. Stimpson & Mr. Gorse’ by Patrick Hamilton. On the surface Ralph Gorse is a charmer in every sense of the word: handsome, suave and stylish, sparkling company and the possessor of… More Starring: Nigel Havers, Bernard Hepton, Rosemary Leach, Fiona Fullerton, David McKail. Based on the novel ‘Mr. Stimpson & Mr. Gorse’ by Patrick Hamilton. On the surface Ralph Gorse is a charmer in every sense of the word: handsome, suave and stylish, sparkling company and the possessor of a sexual magnetism that attracts most women h e encounters. But the charm is a veneer. Gorse is a con man and sexual adventurer, whose conquests are merely a way of obtaining his heart’s desires: money and power. VOLUME ONE Episode One – The Tempter Ralph Gorse, down to his last pennies, meets Joan Plumleigh-Bruce in a roadhouse. She is attracted to Gorse, despite the difference in their ages. But Plumleigh-Bruce has another suitor, the stolid Donald Stimpson, who is attracted by her regular income, her pleasant house and the promise – yet unfulfilled – of sex. Gorse lures the jealous Stimpson into a sordid night at a pleasure house in a scheme of subtle blackmail. Episode Two – The Investor Gorse allies himself with Clarice Mannor’s fast socialite crowd and continues to fortify his relationship with the romantically-swayed Plumleigh-Bruce with whom he opens a joint bank account for depositing the promised fruits of their future investments. Stimpson casts a jealous and suspicious eye over their financial and romantic liaisons. VOLUME TWO Episode Three – The Deceiver Gorse flees to Brighton where he finds employment as a car salesman and begins romancing the innocent and lovely daughter, Pamela, of his boss, Harold Bennett. Stimpson’s dogged inquiries have uncovered Gorse’s whereabouts; and with the swindled Plumleigh-Bruce in tow, he proceeds to Brighton to confront Gorse with the evidence. Episode Four – Gorse in the Middle Gorse marries the pregnant Pamela and settles uncomfortably into married life. Bennett, father of the bride, still suspicious of Gorse’s motives, buys the newlyweds a house. The deed is solely in the bride’s name, but Gorse has a scheme to turn the tables – and collect the insurance. VOLUME THREE Episode Five – The Imposter Gorse is drafted for military service, but army life is not his cup of tea. He decides not to return from a brief furlough and checks into a fashionable Brighton seaside hotel where he exchanges identities with a drunken R.A.F. officer. Shortly afterward, a corpse is found on the beach bearing Gorse’s identity papers. Episode Six – Gorse at the End Plumleigh-Bruce and Stimpson are summoned to Brighton to verify the identity of the body bearing Gorse’s papers. Plumleigh-Bruce can’t face the gruesome prospect and flees to their hotel where she bumps into Alison Warren, Gorse’s latest conquest. Plumleigh-Bruce’s story confirms Warren’s mounting suspicions. She confronts Gorse with the truth and threatens to expose him. Cornered, he takes desperate measures to escape his pursuers.