Escape - Action

Escape's "Action" was adapted from the 1928 short story by Charles Edward Montague about a suicidal mountain climber.

Christopher Bell, a man with a creeping numbness on one side of his body, believes that the only future ahead of him is one as an invalid. With nothing left to gain by living, he travels to Zinal, Switzerland, where he plans to end his troubles on a mountain cliff.

As he begins his ascent up the Schallijoch Glacier, a pick axe suddenly comes tumbling down from above. Annoyed at first, he soon realizes there are two people above him who need help. He springs into action, and in doing so, changes his life.

"Action" was adapted for Escape by Les Crutchfield and produced/directed by Norman MacDonnell. To their credit, this is one of those instances where Escape's adaptation could be considered more enjoyable than the original story. Joseph Kearns played Christopher Bell, Louis Van Rooten played Dr. Gollen, and Joan Banks played Mrs. Gollen. Also appearing were Erik Rolf, Marta Mitrovich, Jeff Corey, Ray Lawrence, and Berry Kroeger. This episode aired on April 4, 1948.

. Download Escape_1948.04.04_ Action.mp3

Escape presented this story a second time on July 21, 1949 with the same cast.

. Download Escape.1949.07.21_Action.mp3

*As pointed out in the comments, Suspense also presented "Action." Here is their version, which is quite different from the original story. Suspense's adaptation was written by Antony Ellis and produced/directed by Elliott Lewis. Herbert Marshall starred. Also appearing were Ellen Morgan, Parley Baer, Herbert Buttefield, Richard Peel, and Ben Wright. This episode aired on October 5, 1953.

. Download Suspense_1953.10.05_Action.mp3

(Image from Wikimedia Commons )

Rev. 8/11/08

Comments

[Stacy Sobotka]

Suspense also presented this episode with Herbert Marshall, who has always been a delight with his refined English accent!

[cmillinsf]

Hi Stacy,
You are right. Sometimes, when I'm writing up an Escape episode late on a Sunday night, I forget to check these things! I'll add the Suspense version. Thanks! - Christine