Matter of Life and Death, A

Synopsis

Radio version of the film about RAF pilot (and poet, lunatic and lover) Peter Carter who unwittingly cheats death when he survives bailing out of his plane without a parachute. Originally written and produced as a feature film by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger in 1945 (see separate entry), this production has been freely adapted for broadcasting by Lester Powell. With music composed by Alan Gray and conducted by Archie Campbell.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Radio

Transmission details

9 Aug 1948 at 20:00 (Channel: BBC Light Programme)

Duration

150 mins

Availability

No archive copy known

Credits

Producer

Archie Campbell

Music

Allan Gray

Adaptor for Radio

Lester Powell

Cast

Abraham Sofaer	Judge
Abraham Sofaer	Dr. Leiser
Andrew Cruickshank	Dr. Reeves
Bill Harding	Foreman of the Jury
Chris Grainger	Bob Trubshawe
David Farrar	Peter Carter
Hal Thompson	Dr. Gaertner
Hugh Manning	English Airman
James Swann	American Airman
Jon Farrell	Dr. McEwan
Kathleen Byron	June
Marius Goring	Conductor 71
Olive Gregg	W.A.A.F Officer
Susan Richarda	Chief Recorder
Tommy Duggan	Abraham Farlan

Additional Details

Production type

Television and Radio Drama

Plays

Midsummer Night’s Dream, A

Keywords

Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

Notes

General

Actors Marius Goring and Abraham Sofaer speak the parts in which they appeared on the screen.

Reviews

In a programme announcement, Val Gielgud suggests that "Like most stories dealing with an imaginary other world, A Matter of Life and Death should transfer to the microphone with some advantage. The visual presentation of some people’s conception of heaven, or even of some undefined purgatory, tends to be either vulgar or peculiar" ('Spotlight on Radio Drama’, Radio Times, 23 July 1948, p.4).

Production Company

Name

BBC

Notes

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)