TUMBLE (James Reed 1972) BBC 2
Viewer’s Choice
James Reed's classic production, starring Chuck Williams, Jay Johnson and Glenda Moore, tells the tale of a man who rises to 1) the top of the ladder, before ending up as a 2) down-and-out begging for money and 3) living rough on the streets of New York. At the beginning of the story, we meet Charlie Renton (Chuck Williams) who is 4) as poor as a church mouse and lives in a tiny basement flat in Brooklyn. By luck, he manages to get a job with a big exporting company, and so begins his rapid rise 5) from rags to riches. Quickly, the 6) up-and-coming young businessman becomes the company director's 7) right hand man and miraculously helps the firm to double its profits in just one year. Then, following the retirement of his superior (Jay Johnson), Charlie finds himself 8) calling the shots in the company. For a while, everything seems fine: Charlie marries Charlene (Glenda Moore), moves into a fantastic house and joins 9) the jet set with their extravagant parties, exclusive country clubs and flashy sports cars. Unfortunately, it is at this point that his slide down 10) the slippery slope towards self-destruction begins. Tumble is a magnificently directed study of human behaviour with a highly talented cast. Be prepared for some tear-jerking scenes, but don't miss it.
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