I love the works of Frances Durbridge, and for my money, Melissa is the best of his efforts. The master of suspense, intrigue and misdirection got this story spot on, Melissa is the most baffling mystery, which has you tied up in knots until the final reveal. You ask yourself questions all the way through, I can't think of many murder mysteries in recent years that lead you up so many blind alleys.
This version boasts a fine cast, including Tony Britton and Brian Wilde, it has some rather slick production, and of course the wonderful sixties music throughout. As an avid fan of the 1974 version starring the wonderful Peter Barkworth I was stunned to see that the adaptations share the exact same screenplay, and are virtually word for word. So credit where it's due, my love of the dialogue and direction in 1974's production came from this team.
It's the dynamic between Britton and Wilde that works so well for me here, Wilde making Carter a sympathetic character, Britton's Guy Foster a much stronger individual.
There is very little to criticise, 9/10
