Beyond Fear is a British television crime dramatisation, first broadcast on 30 March 1997, the opening night of Channel 5,[1] that details the kidnap of estate agent Stephanie Slater by convicted murderer Michael Sams. The drama was adapted from Slater's acclaimed book of the same name by screenwriter Don Shaw, with Jenny Wilkes assigned to direct.[2] Beyond Fear starred Gina McKee as Slater and Sylvester McCoy as Sams, with Judith Anthony, Kitty McGeever, Sally Rogers and Iain Rogerson also appearing in key roles.

Beyond Fear
GenreCrime drama
Written byDon Shaw
Directed byJenny Wilkes
StarringGina McKee
Sylvester McCoy
Judith Anthony
Kitty McGeever
Sally Rogers
Iain Rogerson
Phil Croft
James Grant
Roger Ennals
Davyd Harries
ComposerRobert Lockhart
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producersStephen Frears
Linda James
ProducerJill Green
CinematographyNina Kellgren
EditorBudge Tremlett
Running time90 minutes
Production companyRed Rooster Film & Television Entertainment
Original release
NetworkChannel 5
Release30 March 1997 (1997-03-30)

Gerard Gilbert of The Independent gave praise to Beyond Fear, writing: "The undoubted jewel in Channel 5's rather wobbly opening-night crown. This is a fine, unsalacious reconstruction of Slater's brave cat-and-mouse encounter with her captor, and Gina McKee gives a convincing portrayal of a normal young woman in an intolerable situation. Former Doctor Who alumni Sylvester McCoy is gruffly menacing as Sams."[3] 1.7 million viewers tuned it for the drama's debut broadcast.[4] Notably, Beyond Fear has never been released on VHS or DVD, although has previously been repeated on True Entertainment as part of their Best of British season.

Cast

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References

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  1. ^ Joekes, Susan (27 November 2017). "Jenny Wilkes obituary". the Guardian.
  2. ^ "Beyond Fear (TV Movie 1997)Gina McKee, Sylvester McCoy, Diane Adderley". Truetvmovies.
  3. ^ "TODAY'S TELEVISION". 29 March 1997.
  4. ^ "Channel 5-the early years".
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