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Widely regarded as the first "true" detective novel, Wilkie Collins' gothic thriller The Moonstone has undergone numerous stage, film, and TV adaptations since its publication in 1868. In the TV category, the BBC offered a five-part version of the well-worn story in 1972. The title referred to a valuable but "cursed" yellow diamond, which after leaving a trail of death and devastation amongst its previous owners came into the possession of the lovely Rachel Verinder (Vivien Heilbron). When the Moonstone turned up missing on a dark and stormy night, diligent Sgt. Cuff (Basil Dignam) showed up at Rachel's Yorkshire estate to solve the mystery -- and to protect the heroine from harm. After its original British TV run, The Moonstone was seen in America on PBS' Masterpiece Theatre beginning December 10, 1972.