Escape's "Journey Into Fear" was adapted from the 1940 novel by Eric Ambler, which tells of a British engineer attempting to flee German enemy agents who want to kill him. The novel is too long for a half hour radio show, so parts of the story were cut. In the book, the main character becomes involved in an ongoing flirtation with a beautiful but scheming cabaret dancer named Josette. She and her petulant husband/business partner, Jose, take up a good portion of the novel, but aren't included in Escape's version. Other changes were made to the story as well.
In 1943, Journey Into Fear was made into a film by Orson Welles which starred Joseph Cotton. Edgar Barrier appeared in both the film and Escape's 1950 adaptation.
The episode opens in Instanbul as Graham enters his hotel room. Suddenly, someone shoots at him! The intruder crawls out of the window and Graham is relieved to discover that his only injury is to his hand. He calls his business associate, Kopeiken, and explains what has happened. Kopeiken takes him to Colonel Haki of the Turkish secret police. Graham thinks that it is all of lot of fuss over a burglar, but Haki warns him that the man was not just a thief. He was sent there to murder him!
Colonel Haki explains to Graham that his work in Instanbul is important to Turkish military efforts and there are enemy agents who want to see that work stopped or delayed. The only way to leave Instanbul without danger is to sail on the cargo ship Sestri Levante. Graham agrees to the plan, but he soon realizes that the boat isn't as safe as Haki said it was.
"Journey Into Fear" was adapted for Escape by Antony Ellis. Norman MacDonnell produced and directed. Ben Wright starred as Graham. Also appearing were Wilms Herbert, Edgar Barrier, Rolfe Sedan, Ann Morrison, Jack Kruschen, Lou Krugman, and Shimen Ruskin. This episode aired on November 19, 1950.
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(Image of first edition cover from Wikipedia)
Rev. 1/11/10
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Posted by: PoKirsten | January 17, 2010 at 02:11 PM
The film (if not film noir, it's VERY close) of the same name is an unforgettable movie, no matter what the critics say.
It was directed and starred Orson Welles and has some unforgettable scenes, including an opening which you will remember the rest of your life.
The adaptation here though is not quite as good.
Posted by: Jimbo | July 17, 2011 at 08:57 AM
Here's the opening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7MHkG9Lnd8
Posted by: Jimbo | July 19, 2011 at 08:43 AM