"The Grey Nurse Said Nothing" is a television play written by Sumner Locke Elliott. It was based on elements of the Shark Arm case but is mostly fictitious. The play was screened in the US in 1959[1] as an episode of Playhouse 90. It was performed on American and Australian television.[2]
| "The Grey Nurse Said Nothing" | |
|---|---|
| Playhouse 90 episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 5 |
| Directed by | Ron Winston |
| Teleplay by | Sumner Locke Elliott |
| Original air date | 26 November 1959 |
| Running time | 90 mins |
Plot
editA shark is captured and throws up an identifiable human arm, with a tattoo. It is presumed the arm belongs to a boatman. A local tycoon is arrested for murder.
Witnesses at the trial include the tycoon's alcoholic wife, whom the boatman tried to seduce, and a local school teacher in love with the boatman.
Cast
edit- Ann Todd as Laura Mills
- Angela Lansbury as Hazel Wills
- Paul Comi as Patrick Aherne
- Gary Crutcher as Lynch mob leader
- Patricia Cutts as Mavis Greenop
- Michael David as Herbert Wills
- Don Dubbins as Bluey
- Hugh Griffith as Rev. Light
- Tony Haig as Boy
Production
editThe play was set in Australia, a location that was uncommon on American TV at the time.[2]
The show had a cast of 120. Sumner Locke Elliot provided the sounds of a Kookaburra because none were available; he imitated one in the studio.[3]
Reception
editThe Los Angeles Times called it a "suspenseful telecast" in which the cast "gave universally good performances."[4]
The Chicago Daily Tribune called it "thoroughly enjoyable".[5]
References
edit- ^ Television Preview The Washington Post and Times-Herald ]26 Nov 1959: D23.
- ^ a b Vagg, Stephen (17 November 2020). "Forgotten Australian TV Plays: The Grey Nurse Said Nothing". Filmink.
- ^ "A TV drama recalls the Shark Arm Murder". TV Times. 9 June 1960. pp. 8–9.
- ^ Shanley, John P. (27 November 1959). "TV Review: Murder Trial Is Basis for Suspenseful Show". New York Times. p. 59.
- ^ Staccato Format Is Still Bad Anderson, Robert. Chicago Daily Tribune 1 Dec 1959: b10.
External links
edit