The Vise, Vol. 1 On DVD

This popular anthology of mystery stories was originally produced for British television, presenting dramatic tales of individuals whose bad choices lead to their downfall. Many of the shows featured private investigator Mark Saber, portrayed by rugged English actor Donald Gray, who lost his left arm while serving in the Second World War. "The Hostage," one of the episodes presented here, was directed by a very young Richard Lester, who rocketed to international fame in the Sixties when he directed The Beatles in A Hard Day's Night and Help.

Gabriel's Choice: When Gabriel Destin's suicide attempt is thwarted by Dr. George Campbell, the troubled young man insinuates himself into the doctor's life like a deadly virus. Starring Clifford Evans, Lee Patterson; Directed by David MacDonald.

Dead Man's Evidence: A theater director's unscripted backstage affair with a young actress leads to blackmail and murder. Starring Honor Blackman, John Stone; Directed by Ernest Morris.

The Hostage: A mentally unbalanced woman holds Mark Saber's secretary hostage in a desperate ploy to force him to search for her missing lover. Starring Donald Gray, Ron Moody; Directed by Richard Lester.

If This Be Murder: A famous mystery author will go to any lengths to keep his slavish assistant at his typewriter - even killing the man's fiancee. Starring Donald Gray, Diane Decker; Directed by Ernest Morris.

Premiering in 1954, this British anthology series focused on con men, murderers, and other malcontents caught in the web of their own schemes. After digging their own graves with bad choices, they would then lie down in them in each episode's reassuring conclusion. This volume presents four episodes.