IMMORTAL CLAY |
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Steed learns that pottery-making can be deadly
Cathy decides to write a book about it* |
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Production completed: 10 January 1963
UK Premiere (London, Season 2):14 January 1963
US Premiere (A&E cable):ca. 15 February 1991
A man is found dead in a vat of
liquid clay at an obscure pottery manufacturer. Seems he was an industrial spy trying to
steal the secret of an unbreakable form of porcelain invented by one of the firm's
proprietors. Cathy, pretending to write a book on pottery, and Steed, pretending to be a
pottery expert from the government, investigate.
This is an odd one. The un-engaging plot is spread way too thin, and odd characters in silly, soapy sub-plots
fail to add interest. Not to mention that it is utterly laughable at times, such as when someone drops a plastic
teacup to demonstrate "unbreakable ceramic." Then, a camera rolls into a table with a loud crash—looks and sounds
as if a bomb had gone off just outside the studio. The only bright spot is
Steve Plytas as De Groot.
Some scenes were pre-recorded on 9 January 1963 in advance of the main recording.
*This unofficial subtitle is by Yours Truly.
Speaking to Steed, Cathy remarks of De Groot, "I wish I didn't have to have a meal with him—you should see him
eat!" |