The theme of blindness which Thriller handled so effectively in 'The Eyes Have It' from its first series is revisited in 'The Next Voice You See' which is the penultimate episode in series five.
The story begins in 1964 with a bank robbery in which Stan Kay's wife, Susie is tragically killed while he is blinded from a double-barreled shotgun blast. We then fast forward to 1974 where Stan (played by Brad Dillman), a successful jazz pianist, is due to play an engagement party for a wealthy society girl. Whilst performing he is shocked to hear a snatch of a familiar voice in the crowd - which he recognises as the dulcet tones of the armed robber ten years beforehand.
He conveys his worries to his agent Julie (played by the beautiful Catherine Schell) who is initially sceptical. As the evening unfolds the voice is heard again and again while Stan vainly tries to ascertain the speaker. It soon becomes evident that the murderer is aware of Stan's presence and an exciting game of seek and destroy follows. During this time his identity is kept a secret and we are just treated to glimpses of his shoes.
Amongst the supporting cast are Ray Smith as the gruff security guard Tamplin, Nigel Havers as a drunken guest and Geoffrey Chater as the affable host Sir Peter. The closing sequence in the wine cellar is extremely exciting as we see the killer close in on Stan.
Whilst not as strong as 'The Eyes Have It', 'The Next Voice You See' is a very competent episode and has plenty to recommend it. Go see.
The story begins in 1964 with a bank robbery in which Stan Kay's wife, Susie is tragically killed while he is blinded from a double-barreled shotgun blast. We then fast forward to 1974 where Stan (played by Brad Dillman), a successful jazz pianist, is due to play an engagement party for a wealthy society girl. Whilst performing he is shocked to hear a snatch of a familiar voice in the crowd - which he recognises as the dulcet tones of the armed robber ten years beforehand.
He conveys his worries to his agent Julie (played by the beautiful Catherine Schell) who is initially sceptical. As the evening unfolds the voice is heard again and again while Stan vainly tries to ascertain the speaker. It soon becomes evident that the murderer is aware of Stan's presence and an exciting game of seek and destroy follows. During this time his identity is kept a secret and we are just treated to glimpses of his shoes.
Amongst the supporting cast are Ray Smith as the gruff security guard Tamplin, Nigel Havers as a drunken guest and Geoffrey Chater as the affable host Sir Peter. The closing sequence in the wine cellar is extremely exciting as we see the killer close in on Stan.
Whilst not as strong as 'The Eyes Have It', 'The Next Voice You See' is a very competent episode and has plenty to recommend it. Go see.