Ernie Kovacs is perfectly cast as an insufferable, instantly dislikeable hit author in this 1-acter by Durrenmatt, a fine talkathon for Goodyear Theatre. Actor-director Paul Henreid helmed the droll, darkly humorous show, and Henry Jones is a lot of fun, doing most of the talking, as the adoring fan turned blackmailer.
Durrenmatt concocted a timeless satire of things like celebrity, fandom, society's addiction to vicarious thrill-seeking, all of which have multiplied exponentially since this was made 60 years ago. The obvious elements of satire serve to undercut the piece's suspense, as the conclusion is so clearly foretold, but the two actors make it work. I was interested in seeing Joe Biroc credited as cinematographer, a very minor TV credit for the cameraman of film classics in many different genres.
Durrenmatt concocted a timeless satire of things like celebrity, fandom, society's addiction to vicarious thrill-seeking, all of which have multiplied exponentially since this was made 60 years ago. The obvious elements of satire serve to undercut the piece's suspense, as the conclusion is so clearly foretold, but the two actors make it work. I was interested in seeing Joe Biroc credited as cinematographer, a very minor TV credit for the cameraman of film classics in many different genres.