The Firing Squad (Four Star Playhouse)

"The Firing Squad" is a 1955 episode of the TV series Four Star Playhouse. It was based on the classic Canadian novel Execution. It was relocated to be set in the Australian army in World War Two, one of the rare depictions of Australia in Hollywood at the time.[1][2]

"The Firing Squad"
Four Star Playhouse episode
Episode no.Season 4
Episode 1
Directed byRobert Florey
Teleplay byFrederick Brady
Based ona novel Execution by Colin McDougall
Original air date6 October 1955 (1955-10-06)
Running time25 mins
Guest appearance
David Niven

Plot

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In World War Two, a disgraced officer, Captain Adams, is ordered to lead a firing squad to execute a deserter, Jones who has been accused of murder. Jones is generally agreed to be innocent, but the army have decided to shoot him as an example.

Cast

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Production

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In the Los Angeles Times Niven describes his character as Canadian. But in the final play his character is Australian.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Television Highlights The Washington Post and Times-Herald 6 Oct 1955: 36.
  2. ^ Thursday TV Stars Benny With 'Ginger' The Christian Science Monitor 5 Oct 1955: 4.
  3. ^ Film Stars Take Over TV Show Smith, Cecil. Los Angeles Times 27 Mar 1955: E4.
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