| The Mad Death | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Scotland |
| No. of episodes | 3 |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | BBC |
| Original run | 1983 |
The Mad Death is a television serial made by BBC Scotland. It was filmed in 1981 and transmitted 2 years later in 1983. The programme has only ever been repeated twice; once on BBC in 1985 and again in 1993 on UK Gold. An edited version was made to film length and released on a VHS in the mid-80s.
The three-part series examined the effects of an outbreak of rabies in the United Kingdom and was noted for its occasionally chilling content. It has been described by at least one reference book as being one of the most bleak and disturbing drama series ever attempted.
The music for the opening titles consisted of a voice whispering the first four lines of All Things Bright and Beautiful over a montage of animals' faces, distorted by a rippling water effect, symbolising the hydrophobia caused by rabies.
The programmes were filmed around Scotland including inside East Kilbride Shopping Centre.
The cast included Richard Heffer, Barbara Kellerman, Jimmy Logan, Richard Morant, Ed Bishop and Brenda Bruce.