The Adding Machine

Summary: 1956 Associated-Rediffusion production for ITV of The Adding Machine by Elmer Rice.
Theatre play: The Adding Machine by Elmer Rice (1892-1967) [more information]
Play synopsis: 'The story focuses on Mr Zero, an accountant at a large, faceless company. After 25 years at his job, he discovers that he will be replaced by an adding machine. In anger and pain, he snaps and kills his boss. Mr Zero is then tried for murder, is found guilty and hanged. He wakes up in a heaven-like setting known as the "Elysian Fields". Mr Zero then begins to operate an adding machine until Lieutenant Charles, the boss of the Elysian Fields, comes to tell Zero that he is a waste of space and his soul is going to be sent back to the earth to be reused. The play ends with Zero following a very attractive girl named Hope (who may not actually exist) off stage.' (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Adding_Machine; accessed 8 August 2014.)
Production history: First performed by the Theatre Guild on 19 March 1923.
Date of transmission: Monday 30 July 1956
Time: 8.00-9.30pm
Series: Play of the Week
Channel: ITV
Production company: Associated-Rediffusion (1955-1964)

Director

Desmond Davis

Playwright

Elmer Rice (1892-1967)

Set Designer

George Haslam

Cast

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