Series · 1991
G.B.H.
The series
GBH was a seven-part British television drama written by Alan Bleasdale shown in the summer of 1991 on Channel 4. The protagonists were Michael Murray, the Militant tendency-supporting Labour leader of a city council in the North of England and Jim Nelson, the headmaster of a school for disturbed children. The series was controversial partly because Murray appeared to be based on Derek Hatton, former Deputy Leader of Liverpool City Council — in an interview in the G.B.H. DVD Bleasdale recounts an accidental meeting with Hatton before the series, who indicates that he has caught wind of Bleasdale's intentions but does not mind as long as the actor playing him is "handsome". In normal parlance, the initials "GBH" refer to the criminal charge of grievous bodily harm - however, the actual intent of the letters is that it is supposed to stand for Great British Holiday.
Episodes
Season 1 · 7 episodes · 1991
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Episode 16 Jun 19911h 24m
It Couldn't Happen Here
Firebrand Labour leader Michael Murray is swept into office on a tide of rhetoric. His first act is to "reform education", but it looks suspiciously like a personal vendetta against Mr. Weller, the headmaster who had once sent him, as a bo…
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Episode 213 Jun 19911h 20m
Only Here on a Message
Michael Murray is beginning to realise that his new-found political "friends" are not being entirely above-board with him. Jim Nelson, meanwhile, gains some respite from Murray's persecution when he becomes a local hero in a tragic accide…
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Episode 320 Jun 19911h 32m
Send a Message to Michael
Sloane and Barnes announce matter-of-factly that explosive racial violence shall be provoked in the city. When Murray denounces them and begins to storm out of the room, Barnes asks if the name Eileen Critchley means anything to him. Murra…
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Episode 427 Jun 19911h 21m
Message Sent
Michael Murray has reached panic level, and sends the researcher, Philip, on a mission to find three people: his missing brother Franky (along with the council car), his mother, and Eileen Critchley. Frank Twist catches up with Jim Nelson…
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Episode 54 Jul 19911h 21m
Message Received
The Nelsons finally arrive in North Wales, thinking they have escaped their tormentors. Trouble is pursuing them, however, and mein Host at the holiday camp isn't without his problematic side, either.
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Episode 611 Jul 19911h 13m
Message Understood
It starts to dawn on Michael and Jim that they are pawns in a much bigger game. Barbara questions who her real allies are.
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Episode 718 Jul 19911h 17m
Over and Out
Friday is the day designated for the showdown. Michael has had the local Labour Party meeting called to have Jim Nelson removed from membership; Lou Barnes has decreed this same day for Michael Murray's destruction.
Cast
Michael Palin
Jim Nelson
Robert Lindsay
Michael Murray
Lindsay Duncan
Barbara Douglas
Julie Walters
Mrs. Murray
Dearbhla Molloy
Laura Nelson
Tom Georgeson
Lou Barnes
Andrew Schofield
Peter GrenvilleAlan Igbon
Teddy
Michael Angelis
Martin Niarchos
David Ross
Mr Weller
Philip Whitchurch
Franky Murray
Daniel Massey
Grosvenor
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