Petite Mort
by Beatrice Hitchman
adapted in 10 parts by Miranda Davies
15 Minute Drama, 28 October to 8 November 2013
This post is the 2 part Omnibus editions on Radio 4 Extra, 2 and 9 November 2013
160K
A 1914 silent film called Petite Mort holds the key to an infamous murder trial.
1967, Paris. A young journalist, Juliette Blanc investigates the mystery of a missing section of film from a recently rediscovered silent film print from 1914 - Petite Mort. She is contacted by an elderly woman, Adele Roux, the star of that infamous film, who seems keen to tell her story.
Madame Adele Roux ..... Honor Blackman
Juliette Blanc ..... Shelley Conn
Adele Roux ..... Mariah Gale
Andre Durand ..... Marcus D'Amico
Luce Durand ("Terpsichore") ..... Samantha Spiro
Camille Roux ..... Georgie Fuller
Pere Simon/Peyssac ..... David Seddon
Mathilde/Aurelie ..... Maria Teresa Creasey
Feuillade/Paul LeClerc/Lazard ..... John Norton
Elodie Kernuac ..... Priyanga Burford
Inspector Japy/Harbleu/Rinaldi ..... Michael Bertenshaw
Dr Langlois/Judge ..... Sean Murray
Produced and directed by Emma Harding.
160/44; 155 MB total; sound quality excellent
Episode 1: Mon 28 Oct 2013 (1/10)
1913, Paris. The young Adele Roux arrives at the gates of the Pathe film studios, determined to fulfil her ambition to become a screen actress, like her heroine 'Terpsichore' - the beautiful actress, Luce Durand. But her path to fame is not straightforward.
Episode 2: Tue 29 Oct 2013 (2/10)
Juliette continues her interview with the enigmatic Adele Roux, now in her eighties, but once the star of silent film. Petite Mort, which was at the centre of a famous 1914 murder trial.
Episode 3: Wed 30 Oct 2013 (3/10)
Adele is taken by surprise when her younger sister Camille turns up at her door. Her eyes still on screen greatness, Adele agrees to her lover Andre's plan to install her in his house as assistant to his beautiful, but unpredictable, screen star wife - 'Terpsichore' - Luce Durand.
Episode 4: Thu 31 Oct 2013 (4/10)
Adele is now working as assistant to her screen heroine, 'Terpsichore' - Luce Durand, but betraying her with her husband, Andre. But Adele's attraction to Luce grows ever stronger.
Episode 5: Fri 1 Nov 2013 (5/10)
Adele and her mistress, Luce begin a dizzying affair.
Episode 6: Mon 4 Nov 2013 (6/10)
1914, Paris. Hurt and confused by Luce's treatment of her, Adele succumbs to temptation and betrays her lover.
Episode 7: Tue 5 Nov 2013 (7/10)
The lovers plan to run away. But Luce doesn't yet know that Adele has taken a film part that she had been expecting to play.
Episode 8: Wed 6 Nov 2013 (8/10)
Andre discovers Adele and Luce's affair - with violent consequences.
Episode 9: Thu 7 Nov 2013 (9/10)
Adele arrives in court to watch the trial of her former employers and lovers, producer Andre Durand and his beautiful screenstar wife, Luce.
Episode 10: Fri 8 Nov 2013 (10/10)
1967, Paris. Juliette finally discovers the truth about the film of Petite Mort and the enigmatic Madame Roux.
Replies
Thanks!