"The Outstation" was closely adapted from a 1924 short story by W. Somerset Maugham about class conflict in a remote British outpost in Borneo. If you want to read the short story, it is available online here.
As the episode opens, Mr. Warburton is awaiting the arrival of his new assistant, Mr. Alan Cooper. Having been posted in Borneo for many years, Mr. Warburton has become accustomed to his solitary life as an officer among the Malays, and he is apprehensive about the change.
When Mr. Cooper arrives, Mr. Warburton finds him to be undignified and coarse in his manners. Worse still, he is abusive to the Malays. Mr. Warburton warns him that his behaviour is dangerous, but Mr. Cooper doesn't listen.
The two men have little in common in their backgrounds, and as time passes, it becomes impossible for them to adapt to each other.
"The Outstation" was adapted for radio and directed by Antony Ellis. Ben Wright starred as the narrator, Alistair Duncan as Mr. Warburton and Richard Peel as Mr. Cooper. Also appearing were Dave Young and Terry Kilburn. This episode aired on July 12, 1953.
This is a GREAT episode; excellent story and performances, especially by Duncan.
Posted by: Mac | August 13, 2012 at 07:00 AM