"Poison" is a short story by Roald Dahl that was first published in Collier's Weekly (June 3, 1950). The story, about a terrified man trapped in his bed by a deadly snake, is set in India during the period of British rule. In Escape's version, the two British characters were changed to Americans and original dialogue was added. Escape's adaptation is to be admired in many respects. "Poison" is one of their finest episodes.
Arthur Woods ,"Woodsy," and his business partner, Harry Pope, are in Bombay working on a construction job. Woodsy has adapted well to his new surroundings, but Harry doesn't like anyone or anything that isn't American.
One night, Woodsy goes out for the evening, while Harry stays home in bed to read. When Woodsy checks in on him later, he finds Harry trapped. A small krait has slipped into his bed, gone under the sheets, and fallen asleep on his stomach. If Harry moves, the little snake will kill him.
Woodsy calls his friend, Dr. Ganderbai, for help. The doctor goes to painstaking lengths to save his patient, but in the end, the real problem is Harry's venomous racism.
"Poison" was adapted for Escape by James Poe produced/directed by William N. Robson. Jack Webb played Woodsy and William Conrad, in one of his best performances, played Harry. Also appearing were Jay Novello and Charlie Lung. This episode aired on July 28, 1950.
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(Image from Wikipedia)
This is an incredible episode of Escape. Two wonderful actors -- Jack Webb and William Conrad -- in a great show.
Posted by: Gary | May 11, 2009 at 09:32 AM
I love Dahl- and along with Robert Bloch and John saul, are the three authors who most influence my own style. I find it frustrating that dahl is mainly known for his children's books.
Posted by: P.S. Gifford | May 13, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Dahl-ironically enough-had a reputation for anti-Semitism:
http://www.jewishlegends.com/displayExp.php?rumor=113
Posted by: icr | May 15, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Dramatic statement about human prejudice at a time (the Fifties)when we were just coming to grips with our own prejudice following a war against tyranny. The story is presented so that it can be appreciated at both the basic life and death struggle and also a allegory about our basic fears.
Posted by: Mike Newton | August 14, 2009 at 05:03 PM
Escape and Suspense were both suspenseful dramatic programs, but their scripts varied in that Escape's stories were adaptations from classic short stories written by authors, who may not have been known by radio listeners of radio drama. Because of the adaptation from print to audio, people who may not have ordinarily read these works of classic literature were availed of this opportunity. Suspense's radio scripts were usually written for radio audiences who could appreciate imaginative drama.
Posted by: Mike Newton | August 16, 2009 at 01:46 PM
True. I knew when I started this website that Escape would be the more marketable of the two shows--because they picked classic material to adapt. Suspense usually created their own scripts, but they do have niche in that they adapted so many Cornell Woolrich stories for radio. - Christine
Posted by: cmillinsf | August 18, 2009 at 02:59 PM
I think this one improves on the original short story, but I think I still prefer the version that appeared on Alfred Hitchcock Presents with Wendell Corey the best.
Posted by: atoz | May 13, 2018 at 05:25 PM
One of "Escape's" best! The suspenseful aspects could have made this a "Suspense!" episode just as easily. Mr. Conrad was outstanding; Mr. Webb and Mr. Novello were first-rate. Thank you for posting this.
Posted by: M.B. | June 11, 2018 at 03:09 PM