Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected, a British television series that ran for nine seasons in the 80s, was a half-hour dramatic mystery show (with comic undertones), each story ending with an unexpected twist. Boasting such stars as John Gielgud, Derek Jacobi, José Ferrer, Elaine Stritch and Joan Collins, the music scoring for the shows made in England was library-sourced or “needle-dropped.” When TALES came to the United States to make a number of shows, producer Bert Salzman insisted on original music. I was the lucky composer to get the job.

A WOMAN’S HELP - Arnold Bourdon (Tony Franciosa) is controlled by his wealthy wife Elizabeth (Shirley Knight), who is an invalid. He hires a young nurse, Miss Greco, to look after Elizabeth but finds himself attracted to her and they consider bumping Elizabeth off so that they can marry. Elizabeth catches them kissing and fires Miss Greco.

PROXY - Sutton (Patrick O’Neill) and his friends had an affair with the same woman who is now blackmailing them. She must die. When the men need to dump the body, the chauffeur has the perfect plan.

SAUCE FOR THE GOOSE - Olivia (Gloria Grahame) is having an affair with a younger man (Robert Morse), having killed her husband to acquire his fortune. However, her new lover begins an affair with another woman.

THE GIFT OF BEAUTY - Elizabeth (Carol Lynley) kills her husband because she wants to be with her young lover Ray - who helped in the murder - but she feels insecure because of the age gap. She then sees a flyer for an anti-ageing process known as the Gift of Beauty.

IN THE BAG - Sam (Edward Albert, Jr.) is a cautious safe-breaker who has never been caught, making him the obvious choice for Cara. Following a tiff, she has all her jewels locked up in a safe and this is where she needs Sam's services. She insists on coming along when Sam attempts to break the safe. Initially unhappy, Sam concedes and lets Cara come along. Is he making his career's first and biggest mistake?