Episode 1: A Knock on the Door

One priceless art collection, stolen twice - by two very different criminals. The Heiress & The General examines the lead up to both robberies, the aftermath and the hunt for the missing art – two paintings remain missing to this day.

Episode 1: A Knock at the door

Wicklow, 1974. A mysterious woman arrives at Russborough House speaking French. She claims her car has broken down. 45 minutes later, the biggest art heist in history is over. Who is behind the robbery - and what connects it to a hijacked helicopter used in a failed IRA bomb attack just three months earlier? The Heiress & The General features documentary interviews alongside dramatised scenes written by Claire McGowan.

Presented by Marie-Louise Muir.

Cast:

Rose Dugdale – Séainín Brennan James Horrigan – Paul Mallon Man 1 – Michael Patrick Man 2 – Jonathan Harden Sir Alfred Beit – Niall Cusack Lady Clementine Beit – Maggie Cronin Hotel Receptionist – Maeve Bradley Helicopter Pilot – Paul Mallon

Producer: Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin

A BBC Northern Ireland Production.