Escape's "A Sleeping Draught" is based on a short story by Weston Martyr that appeared in The Argosy (UK) in November of 1937 (v. 22 #138).
As the episode opens, Captain Godfrey is about to set sail from London for Australia with a cargo of four hundred prisoners. Mr. Finch is the man in charge of the prisoners, a human cargo that he sees as nothing more than "murdering devils."
Captain Godfrey dislikes Mr. Finch and does not approve of how he treats the prisoners. Mr Finch on the other hand, tries to make the captain understand that not one of those prisoners can be trusted. They are the dregs of the London prisons and they have no scruples.
Mr. Finch soon discovers that some of the prisoners have acquired knives, and the captain realizes just how dangerous the men really are.
"A Sleeping Draught" was adapted for radio by Antony Ellis and produced/directed by Norman MacDonell. Ben Wright starred as the captain. Also appearing were John Dodsworth, Bruce Payne, Anthony Barrett, John Dehner, and Lou Krugman. This episode aired on October 1, 1950.
. Download Escape_1950.10.01_A Sleeping Draught
This story was presented again on April 5, 1953. Antony Ellis produced/directed and Ben Wright again starred as the captain. Also appearing were John Dodsworth, Richard Peel, Charles Lung, Alec Harford, and Eric Snowden.
. Download Escape_1953.04.03_ A Sleeping Draught
Three years later Antony Ellis produced and directed this story for Suspense on June 19, 1956. Ben Wright and Abraham Sofaer starred. Also appearing were Hans Conried, Stan Jones, Raymond Lawrence, Charles Lung, Eric Snowden.
. Download Suspense_1956.06.19_ A Sleeping Draught
(Image from Morguefile)
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