Horror DVDs - Horror movies on DVD

Get ready for a second caseload of complex crimes and quirky criminals deftly handled by Chief Inspector Roderick Alleyn (Patrick Malahide, The Singing Detective). A hard-working Scotland Yard detective, Alleyn's aristocratic breeding allows him to blend into the high-society realm in which these crimes occur. In stories based on the classic mystery novels by Ngaio Marsh, Alleyn traps a murderous blackmailer stalking London's debutante set, attends a lethal luncheon at the home of a gracious host, uncovers the killer of a World War I veteran's entrusted confidant, and witnesses heinous exploits on a picturesque Scottish island. The chief inspector gets expert assistance from his partner, Detective Inspector Fox (William Simons, Sergeant Cribb), and his insightful lady friend, artist Agatha Troy (Belinda Lang, To Serve Them All My Days). Guest stars include Diana Quick, John Gielgud, Geoffrey Palmer, Derek Benfield, Margaret Tyzack, and Tom Wilkinson.

From the "golden age" of the British mystery comes a hard-working Scotland Yard detective whose breeding and bearing give him unique access to the fashionable world in which these stories are set. Drawing on her love of theatre and art, New Zealand novelist Ngaio Marsh created elegant crime-puzzlers full of quirky characters with hidden agendas, all brought meticulously to life in this BBC series. The keen intelligence and subtle persistence of Chief Inspector Alleyn (Patrick Malahide, The Singing Detective) are complemented by the insights of his independent lady friend, artist Agatha Troy (Belinda Lang, To Serve Them All My Days), and the loyalty of his partner, Detective Inspector Fox (William Simons, Sergeant Cribb).

The British Home Secretary dies after an operation for abdominal pains, but his wife insists he's been murdered. When Alleyn investigates her claim, he finds a great many things at the nursing home are not as they should be. He also finds a great many suspects, including a surgeon with a grievance, a nurse crossed in love, a betrayed wife, and a bewildering array of political enemies.

Troy has a commission to paint a birthday portrait of the famous actor Sir Henry Ancred at his country estate, Ancreton Manor. She finds the volatile Sir Henry agitated and ill, surrounded by his eccentric and equally dramatic family. A sudden, suspicious death at the manor leads Troy to call in Alleyn to investigate. He finds a tale of anonymous letters and bitter arguments over the dead man's will, lending credence to Troy's suspicions.