In "The Hands of Mr. Ottermole," Claude Rains and Vincent Price star in an episode based on the story by Thomas Burke, first published in his 1931 book, The Pleasantries Old Quong. Burke died in 1945, but in 1949, critics voted "The Hands of Mr. Ottermole" the best mystery of all time. Suspense's adaptation is a faithful one, but they added a dollop of drama for Claude Rains by extending the ending.
As the episode opens, a newspaperman interviews a sergeant from the London metropolitan police force about the strangler who has committed five murders but is still on the loose.
The sergeant tells him how the strangler suddenly went to work in the district. What was the gain? Only the strangler knew. No one could understand the purpose of his crimes. He appeared to step out of the dark and strike at random.
Which leaves them to wonder if the strangler will be caught or will he just disappear into the shadows....
"The Hands of Mr. Ottermole" was adapted for radio by Ken Crossen and produced/directed by Anton M. Leader. Claude Rains and Vincent Price starred. Also appearing were Verna Felton and Raymond E. Lawrence. This episode aired on December 2, 1948.
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(Image of Claude Rains from Wikipedia)
I recall seeing this on the old Alfred Hitchcock Presents TV show. Don't recall who the actors were but it would have been in the late Fifties. Good mystery and very surprising climax.
Posted by: Mike Newton | November 07, 2011 at 04:58 PM