Joe Praml, Alan Lake, Robert Whelan
|
The Stage
and television today Established 1880 Editor: PETER HEPPLE Regional Reviews Gangster development BROMLEY "On the Spot" THE FULL-FLOWERING of the American gangster development of the thirties, as presented to the English in the novels, films and plays of the period, is being recaptured admirably in Edgar Wallace’s “On the Spot.” But I wonder how the younger generation, who do not have that background to recall, are assessing the credibility of the play. Probably they are a little puzzled by it all, in the context of the brash, naked violence world-wide today, and well they might be. But the presentation provides a surprisingly accurate insight into how Englishmen then visualized life in many parts of the United States. Alan Lake is fine as the tight-lipped mercurial gangster leader, obsessed with the lust to amass riches by any illegal means, a man totally without scruple or finer feelings. His oft-repeated whine, “I don’t want no trouble”, masks a ruthlessness that becomes more and more apparent as the action moves on, notably in his treatmet of his adoring Chinese wife, played with skill and artistry by Jacqui Chan. Tough guy Angelo (Robert Whelan) and his common-law wife Maria (Clare Higgins) find themselves no match for the violence-backed whims and fancies of Perelli, but Con (Sean Caffrey) manages by cunning and quick thinking to keep out of major trouble. Not so new recruit Jimmy (Martin Stanbridge), whose conscience proves his undoing. Boss of a powerful rival gang, Joe Praml, convincingly demonstrates his scorn of both Perelli and the law, represented so self-confidently by Robert Arden as the Chief Detective Commissioner. Vincent Wong completes the cast as Perelli’s manservant. The garish set, complete with Wurlitzer organ, is a triumph for Roger Beck, and the direction of Ian Watt-Smith is faultless. --Clifford Russell |