Walter Kerr's adaptation of THE BAT

[Eric Cohen]

Sinister Cinema has Dow Hour of Great Mysteries: THE BAT.
http://store.sinistercinema.com/prostor ... l?no=19044" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank
Walter Kerr's 50-minute teleplay adaptation of the 1920 hit play by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood was a live production on kinescope broadcast on NBC Thursday, March 31st, 1960 ("Stay tuned for Groucho"). Of course, Roland West made two famous film versions. Dow must have been jealous of Dupont's long-running monthly show, but Dow's only lasted six. The ads aren't here unfortunately. It was produced by Robert Saudek of Omnibus fame. The visual shocks are more awkward than startling but this indeed great mystery is effectively played straight. Helen Hayes and Sheppard Strudwick are perfect as Mrs. Van Gorder and Dr. Wells. Sadly, she became a Snoop sister. He had played the detective part on the stage. The detective here is Jason Robards, Jr. What a full plate he had; another hit Broadway drama, Hellman's Toys in the Attic, among other duties (Betty). Mighty Margaret Hamilton is the maid, but Kerr's cuts limit her part. Bethel Leslie as Hayes' granddaughter Dale, is the stand-out. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0504064/bio" target="_blank" target="_blank