Seven Deadly Virtues

Seven Deadly Virtues

1967 - United Kingdom

When 1966's Seven Deadly Sins proved popular with viewers, series producer Peter Willes decided to repeat the idea the following year. 

The series followed a similar format as the previous one with viewers deciding which virtue they were witnessing before the answer was revealed in the closing credits. The choice they had were justice, prudence, temperance, courage (standing in for fortitude in this series) as well as faith, hope and charity. Peter Willes told the TV Times article writer Sarah Snow; "Most people will agree that the so-called Seven Deadly Sins have changed their character over the centuries, and their words and meaning. Similarly, looking at the virtues, aren't these perhaps all a bit deadlier than they seem?" 

Writers included David Hopkins, Leo Lehman, Joe Orton, Bill MacIlwraith and Bill Naughton (author of the films Alfie and The Family Way). Actors included Donald Houston and Adrienne Corri (pictured above in the first tale Any Number Can Play). 

Published on February 12th, 2019. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Andy Robson

Based on Frederick Grice's 1969 novel, The Courage of Andy Robson, about a young boy who is uprooted from his life in the pit community of Easington, in 1910, when his father is killed in a mining accident.

Also tagged Drama Series

Brendon Chase

Classic children's story shown over thirteen episodes concerning the Hensman brothers, Robin, John and Harold, who spend eight months living as outlaws in the forest of Brendon Chase.

Also tagged Drama Series

Jemima Shore Investigates

TV investigative journalist Jemima Shore turns amateur detective to uncover blackmail and murder among the upper classes in this 1980s blend of cozy mystery and conventional crime thriller

Also starring Donald Houston

Edward Woodward as Callan

Edward Woodward as the troubled yet still deadly agent. With consistently hard-hitting, uncompromising scripts and uniformly excellent support playing from a talented core cast

Also released in 1967

Orson Welles' Great Mysteries

Anthology series of different tales introduced by a star considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time

Also tagged Anthology Series

The Clifton House Mystery

Children's fantasy/paranormal drama series. When the Clare family moves into an old Bristol townhouse, the children discover a mysterious sealed room - and the skeleton inside.

Also tagged Drama Series

Pretty Polly ITV Play

Noel Coward's short story starring Lynn Redgrave as an ugly duckling who only later turns into a most possessing young swan.

Also starring Donald Houston

Carry On Jack

"At the turn of the 18th Century, Britain was at war. These were the years when history was written in the blood and smoke of mighty sea battles and the name Nelson typified the spirit of the British Navy. But on the good ship Venus - my, you should have seen us!"

Also starring Donald Houston