Murder Most Foul - Series 3


(4.8 stars; 22 reviews)

The third BBC radio docu-drama series relating how forensic criminology helped uncover the facts and truth behind some of the most celebrated murder cases in British history. The six cases in this series feature Professor Keith Simpson, one of England's most famous forensic pathologists who became renowned for his post-mortems on high-profile murder cases, including John George Haigh's "Acid Bath" murders. Presented by Nick Ross 1. THE FINGERLESS STRANGLER (broadcast 5 March 1993) In November 1943, the body of Rose Ada Robinson, a Portsmouth pub landlady, is found strangled.  Suspicion falls on petty crook Harold Loughans, but he had previously lost the fingers of one hand in an accident.  Can forensic science prove that he killed her?  Dr. Simpson has his work out out for him ... especially since Sir Bernard Spilsbury, England's greatest pathologist, is appearing for the defense! rials? Dr. Keith Simpson ... Keith Drinkel Harold Loughans ... Eric Allan  2. THE BODY IN THE CHALKPIT (broadcast 12 March 1993) In November 1946, the body of John Mudie is found in a shallow trench, a noose around his neck. Was it suicide by hanging ... and if it was, how did the body come to be found in a Surrey chalkpit?  Dr. Keith Simpson ... Keith Drinkel Thomas Ley ... Barry J. Gordon Dr. Eric Gardner ... Stephen  Thorne 3. HITCHHIKE TO MURDER (broadcast 19 March 1993) The strangled body of a female hitchhiker is found by the roadside, with all her belongings strewn about. But one thing is missing ... a yellow string bag, which is later found in a lake miles away. How did it get there ... and is it a vital clue? Dr. Keith Simpson ... Keith Drinkel Inspector Fabian ... Barry J. Gordon 4. THE WIGWAM MURDER (broadcast 26 March 1993) In September 1942, Joan Pearl Wolfe was living rough in Surrey in a wigwam built by her French-Canadian soldier boyfriend August Sangret. When her badly-decomposed body is found, can Dr. Simpson prove that her boyfriend's unusual knife was used to kill her?  Dr. Keith Simpson ... Keith Drinkel August Sangret ... John Guerrasio 5. DEATH OF THE LORD OF LIFE (broadcast 2 April 1993) In June 1948, Ananda Mahidol, the King of Siam, is found dead in his bedchamber from a single gunshot wound to the head. Originally thought to be suicide, the news quickly changes to first an accident, then to assassination. Dr. Simpson is called in and travels to Siam to uncover the facts about the king's death... but justice in Siam isn't the same as justice in England, and the Siamese authorities want a quick disposition to the case ... Dr. Keith Simpson ... Keith Drinkel Dr. Nit ... Philip Sully Chief Judge ... Christopher Good 6. THE USE OF MAGGOTS (broadcast 9 April 1993) In June 1964, the maggot-infested body of Peter Thomas is found in a Hampshire wood. Suspicion falls on William Brittle, who had borrowed a large sum of money from the victim and never repaid him. In a first for forensic science, entomology is used to uncover the murderer. Dr. Keith Simpson ... Keith Drinkel Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 5 March - 9 April 1993

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.