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Talking Heads

Six monologues tell the stories of six different repressed souls: a man dominated by his mother, a vicar's wife, an inveterate letter writer, a hopeful actress, a recently widowed woman, and an elderly shut-in.

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Cast & Crew See All

Maggie Smith
Susan
Julie Walters
Lesley
Patricia Routledge
Miss Irene Ruddock

Season 1 Episode Guide See All

Episode 1

A Chip in the Sugar

Mild, middle-aged Graham Whittaker (who we learn is a repressed homosexual with a history of mild mental health problems) finds life becoming complicated as his mother, with whom he still lives, reunites with an old flame named Frank Turnbull. Graham becomes increasingly jealous when Mr Turnbull takes an ever-growing hold on Mam, especially when Frank proposes marriage while simultaneously suggesting Graham moves out of the house to a hostel. But Mr Turnbull is hiding a secret, and when Graham finds out he triumphantly confronts his mother with the information, restoring the status quo and his comfortable life but destroying her hopes of happiness in the process.

Where to Watch

Awards

  • 1989 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Single Drama - nominated
  • 1989 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Single Drama - nominated
  • 1989 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Drama Series - nominated
  • 1989 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Actor - nominated

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