Evelyn Waugh - The Loved One

[Riklaa]

Evelyn Waugh - The Loved One BBC Radio 4 The setting is Hollywood in 1947. Sir Francis Hinsley, an elderly Englishman who once made a living as a Hollywood scriptwriter, has taken in a younger version of the same species, a young English poet by the name of Dennis Barlow, who is also struggling to make his way in the new world while he works at the Happier Hunting Ground Pet Cemetery. When he is fired by the studio, Sir Francis commits suicide, and Dennis goes to the imposing necropolis called Whispering Glades to arrange for the funeral. While there, he meets Aimee Thanatogenos, a cosmetician, becomes obsessed with her, and competes for her attention with the sinister embalmer, Mr. Joyboy. This satirical comedy is savage and macabre, as biting today as it was when it was written back in 1948. It attacks the commercialisation of what would normally be considered 'sacred' while also showing the mutual incomprehension of the British and the Americans. Adapted for radio by Bill Matthews from Evelyn Waugh's satirical 1948 novel, "The Loved One". Produced by Lissa Evans Graham Hoadly ................. Mr. Schultz Rupert Graves ................. Dennis Barlow Lorelei King .................. Mrs. Heinkel Garrick Hagon ................. Mr. Heinkel / The Reverend Bartholomew Ronald Fraser ................. Sir Francis Hinsley Donald Pickering .............. Sir Ambrose Abercrombie David Bannerman ............... Schindler / The Radio Announcer / The Drunk Simon Treves .................. Erikson / The Whispering Glades Attendant Elizabeth Mansfield ........... Carrie, Otto Baumbein's Secretary Bob Sessions .................. Otto Baumbein Miranda Richardson ............ Aimee Thanatogenous, Cosmetician of the Orchid Room Richard Griffiths ............. Mr. Joyboy, the Senior Mortician Mike McShane .................. Mr. Slump aka The Guru Brahmin Sue Broomfield ................ Rhoda, Mr. Slump's Secretary Elaine Ives-Cameron ........... Mrs. Joyboy, Mother of Mr. Joyboy Other parts played by members of the cast. 1) Part 1 of 3 (Tuesday 30th October 1990 @ 12:25 p.m.) Failed poet and screenwriter Dennis Barlow has disgraced the English community by taking a job in a pets' cemetery. He is given the chance of redeeming himself by organising a friend's funeral, but love rather than redemption looms at Whispering Glades Funeral Home. Re-broadcast on Thursday 1st August 1991 @ 6:30 p.m. Note: No closing credits in this recording. Time: 27 min. 52 sec. (Stereo) 2) Part 2 of 3 (Tuesday 6th November 1990 @ 12:25 p.m.) Continuing Evelyn Waugh's biting satire, two men are in love with Aimee Thanatogenous. the poet, Dennis Barlow, and her boss at the Whispering Glades Funeral Home, senior mortician Mr Joyboy. Who can Aimee turn to for advice? Re-broadcast on Thursday 8th August 1991 @ 6:30 p.m. Note: No opening or closing credits in this recording. Time: 28 min. 7 sec. (Stereo) 3) Part 3 of 3 (Tuesday 13th November 1990 @ 12:25 p.m.) Aimee Thanatogenous is horrified to discover that her fiancee, Dennis Barlow, works at the Happier Hunting Grounds pet cemetery. But can she find true happiness with her other suitor, senior mortician Mr. Joyboy? Other parts played by members of the cast. Re-broadcast on Thursday 15th August 1991 @ 6:30 p.m. Note: No opening credits in this recording. Time: 26 min. 52 sec. (Stereo) All 3 Programs were combined for the rebroadcast and this offering was recorded from that single broadcast of 15 August 1991