Subject: A Morse Primer C/o The Radio Times 16-22nd Jan 93
Organization: The Embassy BBS +44-(0)992-448903
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1993 15:32:48 +0000

There follow a complete retype of the article that appears on page 4 of the for mentioned Radio Times. (retyped without permission)

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When `The Dead of Jericho', the first `Inspector Morse was broadcast on 6th January 1987, it was watched by 13.9 million people. `Cherubim & Seraphim',the final episode of the sixth series was watched by 16.8 million.

Just as `Morse' was threatening to be come the most-watched programme on television, it was announced that this series , the seventh, is to be the last. It bows out this week with `Twilight of the Gods' (Wednesday ITV), graced by John Gielgud, no less.

"Its not a soap - you can't go on with these things for ever," says Kevin Whately, who plays Morse's sidekick Lewis. "Obviously, I've had the time of my life playing Lewis and I'll be sorry to let him go." But it isn't necessarily the end for this beautiful friendship.

"one thin I can promise is that there will be no more series of `Morse' says John Thaw. "But who knowsmhe might rear his morose little haed again in a few year's time in a one-off film or special."

As a souvenir of the series, `Radio Times' has pull together a few facts about `Inspector Morse'.

* One of the first people seen in 'The Deas of Jericho' was a garage mechanic whom Mores handcuffed to his car door. The unknown actor was Gary Webster, who went on to co-star in `Minder'.

* Colin Dexter, author of the `Morse' books, was also in the first episode as an extra and has been in nearly every episode since, popping up in choirs, pubs and crossing quads.

* Barington Pheloung's theme music spells out Morse's name in Morse code.

* The theme music is normally played in a minor key to reflect Morse's melancholy nature.

* In the original books, Morse drives a Lancis rather than a Jaguar and Lewis is not only Welsh but a grandfather!

* The Anglo-Saxon buckle featured in `The Wolercote Tounge' was made by anthony powell, who designed the Princess of Wales's engagement ring. it cost 1,200 GBP.

* Morse's Oxford flat is located in London. The police station is in Harefield, north-west London, and `The Masonic Mysteries' was filmed in St Albans.

* The names of `Observer' crossword compliers have been given to characters in two episodes: D S Macnutt (Ximenes) and Jonathan Crowther (Azed).

* Eton College loves `Morse', too. For `Absolute Conviction' it allowed a film crew into the chapel for the very first time.

* Morse's loves have been played by, among others, Gemma Jones, Frances Barber, Zoe Wannamaker and Madelaine Newton - who is married to Kevin Whately in real life.

Mark Sanderson.

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I hope this is of some interest to some-one.

Noel

Noel@lonemb.demon.co.uk

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