Tales of the Unexpected

A man murders his friend and soon discovers that the very forces of nature conspire to thwart his actions. The production stars Richard Basehart, who portrays the central character caught in this elemental struggle; his performance anchors the tense narrative, heightening the clash between man and the unforgiving environment.

The Turn of the Tide is an episode‑style programme that falls under the generic banner of an “episode”. It is presented as a self‑contained instalment within a larger series, and its format is that of a single, stand‑alone story rather than a serialised arc. In this particular instalment a man takes the life of his own friend. After committing the murder, he finds himself at odds with the natural world, which seems to turn against him and create obstacles he cannot control. The narrative centres on the clash between his violent act and the relentless forces of nature that oppose his deeds. The episode is headlined by Richard Basehart, who takes the principal role. His presence anchors the story, giving the central character a recognizable face for the audience. Overall, the piece juxtaposes a personal act of betrayal with an elemental resistance, framing the murder within a broader struggle against the environment that refuses to be ignored. The combination of a single, stark crime and the indifferent power of nature forms the core of The Turn of the Tide’s dramatic tension.