According to Michael Palin's diaries this was started filmed in early 1987 as a London Weekend Television drama with Palin as Major Archer, directed by 'Charles Struridge'. Other cast included 'Ian Richardson', Rosamund Greenwood, Rachel Kempson, Patience Collier, 'Gwen Nelson', 'Colin Blakley', Timothy Spall and Fiona Victory. Filming was curtailed after a week because of a strike. It was remounted with Ian Charleson as Major Archer.