Lord Peter Wimsey: Five Red Herrings

Hailed by critics as the finest mystery series ever filmed, this original BBC adaptation of the Dorothy L. Sayers novel stars Ian Carmichael as aristocratic detective Lord Peter Wimsey.

Wimsey goes on holiday in Scotland, hoping to relax and catch some trout, but he is soon called on to catch more than fish when Campbell, an unpopular local artist, is found dead.Campbell appears to have taken an accidental fall, but his hot-tempered behavior and ongoing feuds with several local men suggest murder.Wimsey feels certain of this when a key piece of evidence is missing from the seaside spot where Campbell was found.With six possible suspects, Wimsey must use his prize skills to determine the five red herrings and expose the murderer.In the dramatic conclusion, Wimsey reenacts the crime, casting himself as the murderer and Bunter as the victim.

Part One:Wimsey and Bunter travel to a small Scottish town, where a tartan-clad artist named Campbell has been making enemies.While visiting the local pub, Wimsey notices a drunken Campbell threatening several men and leaving in a rage.The next morning, Wimsey and Bunter take a picnic, fishing gear and painting supplies to a quiet spot, where they notice a suspiciously abandoned easel.

Part Two:Suspecting that Campbell was murdered by a fellow artist on a bicycle, Wimsey begins questioning the six suspects, several of whom can not be found.Graham refuses to state his whereabouts a the time of the crime, while Strachan claims he fell down an abandoned mine shaft.Gowan can't be found, but his young maid sees something frightful in his chambers.

Part Three:Suicide is suspected when Farren's bicycle is found at the mine.Wimsey visits Campbell's neighbor, Ferguson, who says the saw Campbell on the morning the body was found.Strachan's flirtatious niece leads Wimsey to the true site of the crime.Graham is forced to admit his whereabouts to save his reputation, and Waters and Strachan finally turn up.

Part Four:London official bring in a much-altered Gowan, who tells his side of the story.Local women plan a funeral for Campbell, which several suspects dutifully attend.Farren is found, having left home to wander as a gypsy to avoid his marital problems.Wimsey reconstructs the crime with the energy of a man half his age, using Bunter as the victim and playing the murderer himself.