Escape's "The Killer Mine" was adapted from the 1947 novel by English author Hammond Innes (1913-1998). For radio, the story was shortened considerably, and as a result, the high tension of the novel and some of the characters, are missing. If you like this episode, then do yourself a favor and read the book.
The story is set in England, three years after the end of World War II. Jim Pryce, a miner by trade, but a deserter from the British army, has just returned to England from Italy. He has made his way to the Cornish coast in the hopes of securing a "no questions asked" mining job through his friend, Dave Tanner.
When Jim finds Dave, his friend is in trouble with the law for liquor-running. Nevertheless, Dave follows through on his promise and sends him over to talk to Captain Manack, the owner of a local mine. When he does, Jim discovers that Captain Manack doesn't want to work the old tin mine for profit, he wants Jim to blow a hole through the top of an undersea shaft and flood it. That way, they can create an underwater entrance for illegal liquor to be unloaded into the mine. Will Jim take the job?
The radio version leaves out Kitty, the brave and good-hearted local girl he falls in love with, as well as the storyline about how Jim avenges his mother's untimely death.
"The Killer Mine" was adapted for radio by Antony Ellis and directed by Norman MacDonnell. John Dehner starred as Jim Pryce. Also appearing were Eileen Erskine, Tony Barrett, Ray Lawrence, Wilms Herbert, Jay Novello, and Lou Krugman. This episode aired on February 11, 1951.
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(Image from the cover of the 1968 Avon Book edition)
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