A psychological drama set during the French Wars of Religion, it was first staged on 7 September 1942 at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh.

In 1580, during the French Civil Wars, the Duke of Latteraine has been imprisoned in the Chateau Lamorre for 15 years, together with his servant, Gribaud.

As the two men play a tense game of chess, it becomes evident that confinement has caused Gribaud to lose his reason.

[3] The cast included Edgar Stehli (Gribaud), Philip Merivale (Duke of Latteraine) and Raymond Burr (Voulain).

[15] Orlando Wells revised and adapted Hamilton's play for a stage revival from 16 April to 13 May 2013 at the Tabard Theatre, London.