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 SofaerDr. Leiser
Abraham SofaerJudge
Andrew CruickshankDr. Reeves
Bill HardingForeman of the Jury
Chris GraingerBob Trubshawe
David FarrarPeter Carter
Hal ThompsonDr. Gaertner
Hugh ManningEnglish Airman
James SwannAmerican Airman
Jon FarrellDr. McEwan
Kathleen ByronJune
Marius GoringConductor 71
Olive GreggW.A.A.F Officer
Susan RichardaChief Recorder
Tommy DugganAbraham 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)

How to cite this record

Shakespeare, "Matter of Life and Death, A". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av66619 (Accessed 26 Nov 2024)