This television play, based on J.B. Priestley stage play, tells the story of a family gathering that in interrupted by the arrival of a police inspect who has some questions to ask the family. The Birling family are celebrating the engagement of their daughter to Gerald Croft. They are on their way up in the world Arthur Birling manages a local company and his expecting his knighthood to be announced at any time and the marriage of his daughter to the son of a lord will certainly help their standing… that is until the servant girl announces that a police inspector wants to talk to them. He tells them that a girl has been found dead in the town; it is a clear case of suicide but it soon becomes clear that each of the people at the dinner contributed to the girl being in such a desperate position. As each revelation comes out the family is forced to examine their actions; some clearly regret what they have done but others are more concerned about what it means for their own standing in society.

This new version of the classic play is taut and kept this viewer gripped. The revelations about the poor dead girl are nicely shown in a series of flashbacks as we see how each of the five people attending the dinner contributed to her destruction. Not much needs to be said about the story itself; it is a classic for good reason however it does contain twists that will surprise those new to the story… especially the final twist. The cast does a brilliant job; David Thewlis is great as The Inspector, he gives a subtle performance as the character who clearly has a low opinion of those he is dealing with. The rest of the cast which includes Ken Stott, Miranda Richardson, Lucy Chappell and Sophie Rundle, as the dead girl, are all on top form. The story is clearly a statement on social attitudes; both in 1912, when it is set, and in post war Britain were social changes were taking place. Overall this is well worth watching; it shows you don't need action to have a tense story if it is well told.

JB Priestley's play An Inspector Calls from 1946 is a celebrated theatrical play that depicts the Birling family cruel treatment of Eva Smith a former factory employee, shop girl and then a fallen woman. In each case contact with the Birlings piles on further misfortune.

The film is set in 1912, a time where social change is threatened and there are rumblings of war in Europe. The Birlings are a well to do provincial family in Yorkshire. Their daughter is due to marry a suitable suitor and Arthur Birling (Ken Stott) is looking forward to receive an offer of a knighthood.

However an Inspector Goole (David Thewlis) arrives to spoil the celebration that a young woman has tragically killed herself and each person in the room shares some responsibility.

This television film is a more sombre affair than the Alistair Sim version and maybe appears a tad heavy handed with its moralising which still has relevance today (Priestley was a socialist). I think the ending worked better in the Sim film but I felt this was the better film as some of the hard edged Birlings (Stott and Miranda Richardson) revert to type as soon as the Inspector leaves unaware that a counter punch is yet to be delivered.

Definitely a highlight of 2015 television, and has made me interested in checking out the earlier versions highly recommended by several viewers.

There's not much to add to what's already been said. A very well-made, brilliantly acted and gripping drama. Two of 'An Inspector Calls' strongest elements are the production values and the acting. It's filmed with class and atmosphere and the production and costume design are evocative and beautiful to look at.

Faring best of the cast are David Thewlis, Ken Stott and Miranda Richardson. Thewlis gives an understated but quite brilliant performance that tells so much in the facial expressions while doing little but still making it interesting, it enhances the character's ambiguity very well. Stott is commanding and suitably gruff, while Richardson portrays her character's coldness flawlessly. The rest of the cast also impress, if not quite up the level of Thewlis, Stott and Richardson.

Writing is similarly very strong and thought-provoking, a lot is covered and talked about but done in a way that never comes over as confusing. The emphasis on the psychological elements give a lot of complexity, help make the characters interesting and show their flaws without making us hate them.

'An Inspector Calls' storytelling is gripping from start to finish. While taking its time to tell the story it does not drag and the ending, while a bit confusing on first watch, is very clever and unexpected.

Overall, splendid stuff and a 2015 television highlight. 10/10 Bethany Cox