The Nearly Man (1974)

Aug 4, 1974 - 1h 0m

Television play, later developed into a series, about a Labour member of parliament who never quite makes it to the top.

Nov 4, 1975 - 1h 0m

Christopher Collinson entered Parliament in 1958 as a talented, ambitious young man. Now, frustrated and cynical after seventeen years on the back benches, he still wants - and even expects - power; a personal tragedy reveals that the opportunity has not entirely disappeared.

Nov 11, 1975 - 1h 0m

Collinson seeks out the political limelight, but Alice finds his renewed political ambition difficult to come to terms with. Meanwhile, in the constituency there is a growing feeling that a clash is inevitable.

Nov 18, 1975 - 1h 0m

As Collinson concentrates on the intensifying Common Market campaign, he is almost taken unawares by events in his constituency. Then, at a routine political meeting, he meets a young university teacher. Her name is Millie Dutton...

Nov 25, 1975 - 1h 0m

While Collinson awaits the outcome of a cabinet reshuffle that will decide his political future, Alice, living apart from him in the Shropshire countryside, is expecting a visit from her friend, novelist Brian Griffin.

Nov 25, 1974 - 1h 0m

It's more than two months since Chris and Alice Collinson have seen each other ; a long standing engagement now brings them into contact. It is not the only confrontation in store for Collinson, as the antagonism between himself and Ron Hibbert takes a new and unexpected turn.

Dec 9, 1975 - 1h 0m

Bernard King, local party chairman, attempts to heal the growing rift between Collinson and his opposition. Criticism of his conduct as an MP reaches a peak, and the confrontation between himself and Ron Hibbert comes to a climax.

Dec 16, 1975

"My error has been my scepticism. I've not actually believed in politics as a way of life" An admission that recently led Chistopher Collinson into a battle in his constituency - a battle that he thought he had won. But has he? Meanwhile, on the eve of the party conference, there is an uneasy alliance between Collinson and his wife.