The Grey Nurse Said Nothing

"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 byRon Winston
Teleplay bySumner Locke Elliott
Produced byFred Coe
Original air date26 November 1959 (1959-11-26)
Running time90 mins

Plot

A 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
  • 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

The 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

The 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
  1. Television Preview The Washington Post and Times-Herald ]26 Nov 1959: D23.
  2. Vagg, Stephen (17 November 2020). "Forgotten Australian TV Plays: The Grey Nurse Said Nothing". Filmink.
  3. "A TV drama recalls the Shark Arm Murder". TV Times. 9 June 1960. pp. 8–9.
  4. Shanley, John P. (27 November 1959). "TV Review: Murder Trial Is Basis for Suspenseful Show". New York Times. p. 59.
  5. Staccato Format Is Still Bad Anderson, Robert. Chicago Daily Tribune 1 Dec 1959: b10.

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