Escape's "Conquest" was adapted from the short story by Leonard Lee, which was published in the Saturday Evening Post (November 9, 1935). It can also be found in the anthology Post Stories of 1935. Escape made a few changes and additions to pump up the action and lengthen "Conquest" for radio but kept the point of the story intact.
As the episode opens, Chase Hamilton describes the conditions and perils of climbing Mount Everest. He then describes the experience of watching George Mallory and Andrew Irvine leave to make their ascent to the top of Everest during a British expedition in June 1924. As it turned out, it would be the last time Mallory and Irvine would be seen alive.
From that moment, Hamilton became obsessed with climbing to the summit of Mount Everest. He worked hard to obtain the financing and to gather a qualified team to make his own expedition. Now, they are about to make their ascent. Will his determination conquer the numerous obstacles in his path? In the end, will he finally be able to say he was the first man to reach the summit of Everest?
"Conquest" was adapted for radio by David Ellis and produced/directed by Norman MacDonnell. William Conrad starred as Hamilton. Also appearing were Lawrence Dobkin, Ramsay Hill, Lou Krugman, Jack Kruschen, Larry Thor, and Ben Wright. This episode aired on January 7, 1951.
. Download Escape_1951-01-07_Conquest
(Image of George Mallory from Wikipedia )
Bill Conrad was struggling a bit in this one. He uncharacteristically blew a few lines. On one hand, it slightly hurt this episode, on the other hand, it makes all of the other episodes where he and the rest of the cast delivered their lines flawlessly even more impressive.
p.s. I don't think I've ever heard anyone pronounce the word "Himalayas" like he does here. He says it in a way that rhymes with "Somalia." Very odd.
Posted by: Atoz | May 05, 2018 at 06:44 PM