Tightrope (1972) User Reviews

Question everything

[tonyinblack · 9/10 · 13 February 2021]

Tightrope takes a typical English village and gives it a good shake. Some things are dislodged, some things stay in place, but the whole is off-kilter. John Savident is an unlikely action hero, but his performance is hypnotic. Middle aged and over weight, he is also impish and otherworldly, you can't take your eyes off him. Spencer Banks is brilliant, but you don't need me to tell you that and Sue Holderness turns up halfway through and sparkles. Next time you're in an unfamiliar village, buy a quarter of brandy balls and don't trust a soul.

If only real schools were as exciting as this

[louiseculmer · 8/10 · 31 December 2017]

An exciting story set in a comprehensive school, where the sixth from pupils (as A level students were known in the olden days), are disturbed by a strange voice coming from the television when they are watching schools programes, a voice that proclaims itself 'the voice of truth'. The voice's purpose is evidently to create unrest among the students and make them suspicious of those in authority. A boy called Martin becomes involved in trying to find out who is behind it all, and what the purpose of it is. The headmaster meets with an accident, and the new temporary headmaster, Forrester (John Savident) may, or may not, be one of the good guys. Can Martin rely on anyone to be speaking the truth about anything? A splendidly exciting story with lots of twists and turns and double dealing. The highlight is the wonderful urbane and comical performance of John Savident as Forrester, and there is also a splendid turn from Hazel Bainbridge as Jessie Ruggles, the village shopkeeper who has some surprising goings on in her back room. A very gripping and exciting story with strong characters.

I originally thought this was part of Timeslip

[Arthur-nose · 15 April 2022]

I remember seeing what I now know to be the first episode of this series - because I remembered seeing "Simon" in it and, for many decades, thought it was that - I have since discovered that it was this series!

I subsequently bought Timeslip and discovered that it wasn't that - thought it might be part of Ace Of Wands - subsequent research said otherwise!