Peter Lorre vs. Peter Lorre

A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

By: Michael Butt

Narrated by: Helen Longworth, John Chancer, John Rowe, Kenneth Collard, Kerry Shale, Nathan Osgood, Peter Marinker, Stephen Greif

Towards the end of his unique career, movie star Peter Lorre found himself at the centre of an unusual legal case. Incorporating verbatim extracts from the court transcripts, Michael Butt's play wonders what was going through Lorre's troubled mind as he fought to protect his name and identity. Features a cast including Stephen Greif as Peter Lorre, Peter Marinker as Lester Salkow, Kerry Shale as Robert Shutan and John Chancer as Curtis Gemmil. Also starring Helen Longworth, Kenneth Collard, Nathan Osgood and John Rowe. Directed by Toby Swift. Originally broadcast as the ‘Afternoon Play’ on 10 May 2010.

A Personal Connection.

My father was Curtis Gemmil, one of the lawyers portrayed In this play. That was the reason that I decided to download and listen to it. Having heard the story of this lawsuit from the other side, it was fascinating to hear about what was happening with Peter Lorre during the trial. I wish my father was still alive so he could have heard of this play. I think he would’ve gotten a kick out of it. My father was a very young lawyer when this case was tried, and he went on to have a very successful career in Los Angeles.

Excellent Drama About a Little Known Case

This was a a wonderful audio drama about a little know case later in the actor’s life regarding someone else who wanted to use his name. Great cast and great productions.