Made redundant at 40, John O’Rourke gets a grant from the Enterprise Allowance Board and sets up as a private detective. Hired by Mrs Rate to trace her absent spouse, he’s soon caught up in a dangerous scheme involving modern art, drug money and shoot-outs on container ships. Fortunately, Inspector Crust is also investigating, and monitoring the rookie PI’s progress. Can the redoubtable copper ensure that O’Rourke’s first case isn’t also his last?
Inspector Crust...... James Ellis
Minty ...... Bill Monks
John O'Rourke ...... Ken Cumberlidge
Mr O'Rourke ...... Richard Tate
Chris ...... Maureen O’Brien
Curly ...... Dominic Rickhards
Mrs Rate ...... June Barrie
Ronnie Rate ...... Eric Allan
Bogger ...... David Goudge
Captain/Adrian Mince ...... Christian Rodska
Charlie ...... Jonathan Nibbs
Barman/Compere ...... Ian Targett
Scratcher ...... David Learner
Operator ...... Maryon Ellor
Written by Vincent McInerny
Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin
First broadcast BBC Radio 4 in January 1990