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In the 1960's I audiotaped the stories off the telly, and wrote reviews of them. These I mostly kept, though only one of my audiotapes survives;
sadly I must admit I fell victim to the spirit of the age and wiped the rest! Well, tapes were fearfully expensive in those days.
Here's my review of 12 Fire (1961) A familiar Danziger theme, why even the title is repeated from an earlier Saber of London episode! This Brian Clemens story starts with us riding on board a fire engine, with no background music or commentary. It turns out this is the third warehouse fire in the London Borough of Stepney. The arsonist's method is to start the fire with a lighted candle, using woodshavings and gasolene to ensure the fire spreads quickly. John Hunter's only answer to the problem is Wait for Another Fire. Walter Allen his boss ain't impressed! However John's wish is soon granted- "quite a fire," he remarks to a bystander as they admire the latest conflagration. Watching is Sammy Peters (Peter Elliott in a good character role), who replies "I love to watch them burning." As he is holding a box of matches, the least suspicious mind might be on the alert! It turns out he has had nine convictions for arson between 1947 and 1953. But this rather pathetic figure claims he's innocent- he'd only come to watch this fire. "You'll have to do better than that, Sammy," argues Inspector Martin (Reginald Marsh) as he arrests him. But John wants to believe Sammy. For one thing the method of starting the fires with a candle isn't Sammy's style. Yet another fire sees boss Walter even more distraught. Whether because this proves Sammy is innocent, or because he might have to pay out again is uncertain. Whatever the case, the picture of Eastern Insurance's founder falls off the wall when the news breaks- whether by accident or as a symbolic act is unclear. "There's more to this than the work of a pyromaniac," comments John Hunter. Checking on the files of the fires he notes all warehouses had smashed windows, except Burnham and Hamilton's. Was it an inside job there? "The trouble with Sammy is that he's been guilty so often, that now he's clean, he wants to make the most of being persecuted." We watch him after being released, call on Verney, the accountant at Burnham's. He knows Verney has done it to cover up his cooking the books. He patiently explains to the accountant how a proper fireraiser would have started the fires. Eastern Insurance arranges an inspection of Burnham's second factory, which has so far escaped the attentions of the firebug. Only just in time, as the candle has already been lit to torch the place! The truth finally comes out. Case solved. Walter looks relieved and gets a fag out. "Got a match?" he asks John. Calmly John stolls over to use the still lighted candle. |