Brimstone and Treacle

Brimstone and Treacle is a 1976 BBC television play by Dennis Potter. Originally intended for broadcast as an episode of the Play for Today series, it remained untransmitted until 1987. The play, featuring Denholm Elliott, was made into a film version released in 1982 costarring Sting.

For two years, Tom and Amy Bates have been struggling to cope with their altered lives, after their daughter Pattie or Patricia was severely injured in a hitandrun accident. Pattie is unable to walk, completely dependent upon others for the activities of daily living, and seemingly unable to communicate beyond making unintelligible sounds. Although poorly educated and gullible, Amy Bates firmly believes that Pattie is able to understand what is being said in her presence, whereas Tom Bates has given up all hope of her recovery. In fact, judging from the sounds she makes, Pattie seems to realise what is going on around her, but Tom Bates is beyond noticing.One day on his way home from work he witnesses a handsome, welldressed young man collapse in the street. Tom Bates is among the passersby who offer to help him. The young man, who gives his name as Martin Taylor, quickly recovers. A few hours later he turns up at the Bates, handing Tom Bates his wallet, which Martin pretends Tom lost in the general hubbub. Though the cash is gone, Bates credit card is still there. Although Martins true identity remains a mystery, Sting who played Martin in the film production has said that he believes him to be the Devil. ........

Source: Wikipedia