| "The Grey Nurse Said Nothing" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Playhouse 90 episode | |||
| Episodeno. | Season 4 Episode 5 | ||
| Directed by | Ron Winston | ||
| Teleplay by | Sumner Locke Elliott | ||
| Original air date | 26 November 1959 (1959-11-26) | ||
| Running time | 90 mins | ||
| Episode chronology | |||
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"The Grey Nurse Said Nothing" is a television play written bySumner Locke Elliott. It was based on elements of theShark Arm case but is mostly fictitious. The play was screened in the US in 1959[1] as an episode ofPlayhouse 90. It was performed on American and Australian television.[2]
A shark is captured and throws up an identifiable human arm, with a tattoo. It is presumed the arm belongs to a boatman. A local tycoon is arrested for murder.
Witnesses at the trial include the tycoon's alcoholic wife, whom the boatman tried to seduce, and a local school teacher in love with the boatman.
The play was set in Australia, a location that was uncommon on American TV at the time.[2]
The show had a cast of 120.Sumner Locke Elliot provided the sounds of aKookaburra because none were available; he imitated one in the studio.[3]
TheLos Angeles Times called it a "suspenseful telecast" in which the cast "gave universally good performances."[4]
TheChicago Daily Tribune called it "thoroughly enjoyable".[5]