The Silent House
Creepy mystery thriller of the ‘Yellow Peril’ variety. On its first appearance, in 1923 (qv), writer credit went only to John G Brandon. The authorship question, and the extent to which George Pickett had to adapt the play for West End presentation, eventually resulted in Brandon bringing an unsuccessful libel action against Pickett in 1931.
This West End production was initially withdrawn on 5th May 1928, making way for Archibald Nettlefold’s presentation of the Avery Hopwood play OUR LITTLE WIFE. When that play folded after only a week, Nettlefold immediately reactivated THE SILENT HOUSE on 14th May – but only for another three weeks. (‘Actors’ Hustle: Our Little Wife ends after five nights’, London Weekly Dispatch 13th May 1928, page 13; ‘Chit Chat’, The Stage 17th May 1928, page 15.)
Earlier, in January 1928, Nettlefold had sent out two touring productions of the play, in one of which Abraham Sofaer played Dr Chan Fu. Then in July 1928, a film version began shooting at the Nettlefold Studios in Walton-on-Thames.
Cast & Crew
Cast
| Benson | Arthur Stratton |
|---|---|
| Captain George Winsford | Basil Foster |
| Captain Philip Barty | Henry Kendall |
| Dr Chan Fu | Franklin Dyall |
| Ho Fang | George Pickett |
| Hwang | Eric Croall |
| Jacob Hetherington | J J Bartlett |
| Mateo | Douglas Blandford |
| Señor Leon Peroda | Albert Brouett |
| T’Mala | Norah Robinson |
| Captain Philip Barty (replacement) | Rex Alderman
(started 1928) |
| Mateo (replacement) | S Victor Stanley
(started 1928) |
| T’Mala (replacement) | Jane Amstel
(started 1928) |
Crew | |
| Director | Reginald Bach |
| General Manager | Alexander Telford |
| Presented by | Archibald Nettlefold |
| Press Representative | H C G Stevens |
| Programme cover illustration | Reginald Gardiner
(credited as Reggie Gardiner) |
| Secretary and Treasurer | Phyllis Maule |
| Stage Manager | S Victor Stanley |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Norman Pierce |
| Furniture by | Hamptons |
| Miss Norah Robinson’s dresses by | Ulick Ltd |
| Orchestra under the direction of | Winifred Smith |
| Scenery built by | J Brunskill |
| Scenery painted by | Alick Johnstone |
- Added by Jared William.
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Play description
Creepy mystery thriller of the ‘Yellow Peril’ variety. On its first appearance, in 1923, writer credit went only to John G Brandon. The authorship question, and the extent to which George Pickett had to adapt the play for West End presentation, eventually resulted in Brandon bringing an unsuccessful libel action against Pickett in 1931.
Photo credits
Observations
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