The Scapegoat (First Night)

22nd episode of the 1st season of First Night

"The Scapegoat"

First Night episode
Episode no.| Season 1
Episode 22
Directed by| Prudence Fitzgerald
Written by| Simon Raven
Produced by| John Elliot
Original air date| 15 February 1962 (1962-02-15)
Running time| 70 mins (missing)
Guest appearances

* Kenneth More as Major Colum Fitzgerald
* Lyndon Brook as Captain Robert Peterson
* Frances White as Gillie Moffatt
* Patrick Newell as Corporal George Moffatt
* Henley Thomas as Pte Sam Handley
* James Bree as Capt Edward Phipps
* Graham James as 2nd Lieut Richard Underwood
* Anthony Wager as Sergeant-Major
* Eric Thompson as Pte Charlie Banham
* Jeremy Wilkin as Capt Andrew Lamont, M.C.
* Frances White as Gillie Moffatt
* Michael Blackham as Sgt Balfe

"The Scapegoat" is a 1964 British television play starring Kenneth More.[1][2] It was one of his first television plays after a number of years focusing on films.[3]

It was part of the debut series of the new BBC drama First Night and has been described as "among the notable dramas produced between 1963 and 1964" on British television.[4][5] Despite its popularity, no recordings of the production are known to eixst.

## Plot[edit]

An inquiry is held into the death of a regimental mascot, the goat, Tiberius. Major Fitzgerald heads the inquiry and uncovers enmity between two officers, Captain Peterson and Captain Lamont.

## Reception[edit]

The Daily Telegraph called it "original, ingenuous, executed with exemplary economy" with "an excellent performance by Kenneth More."[6] The Observer said "I couldn't begin to take it seriously but I wouldn't have missed a preposterous second of it."[7]

## References[edit]

1. ^ Richardson, Maurice (16 February 1964). "Torture on the hearthrug". The Observer. p. 23.
2. ^ "Scandal of the goat". The Birmingham Post & Birmingham Gazette. 15 February 1964. p. 11.
3. ^ Vagg, Stephen (16 April 2023). "Surviving Cold Streaks: Kenneth More". Filmink.
4. ^ "The Armchair Theatre Effect". Television Heaven.
5. ^ Vahimagi, Tise. "Newman, Sydney (1917-1997)". BFI Screenonline.
6. ^ "Death of a Mascot". The Daily Telegraph. 17 February 1964. p. 14.
7. ^ Richardson, Maurice (16 February 1964). "Torture on the hearthrug". The Observer. p. 23.

## External links[edit]

* "The Scapegoat" at IMDb
* "The Scapegoat" at BFI
* "The Scapegoat" at BBC Index

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