Love from a Stranger (play)

Love from a Stranger is a 1936 play based on "Philomel Cottage", a 1924 short story by British mystery writer Agatha Christie.

The suspense is maintained; each turn of the story is clear and striking; the terror-stricken self-control of the girl and the man's gross and abominable insanity are depicted by Miss Marie Ney and Mr Vosper with every refinement of a murderous thriller.

Ivor Brown in The Observer of 5 April 1936 wrote "There is authentic and tremendous suspense about the struggle between Bruce and his captive wife.

"[1] The Scotsman of 1 April 1936 started its review with: "To watch the performance of Love from a Stranger at the New Theatre is like witnessing a clever conjuring show.

The review went on to state "Mr Frank Vosper achieves with great art the transformation from a pleasant young Colonial to a habitual murderer.

The scene where he gradually reveals his true character by tearing up his wife's scarf in a paroxysm of murderous fury is invested by him with a realism that is almost horrible.

A radio version of the play was presented on the BBC Home Service on 24 March 1945 as part 1968 Skippy Keeler TV series, 1 episode of the Saturday Night Theatre strand.