Share
Clip description
Maitland (John Longden) is overcome with guilt over his indiscretion with Alma Lee (Charlotte Francis). Six months later, her pregnancy has become the talk of the town. On a cliff above the beach, he confides in his friend, Dr Everard (John Warwick), who wonders if she has told anyone. Alma’s mother (Leal Douglas) suspects the doctor, rather than the parson.
Curator’s notes
An interesting example of Ken Hall’s fast developing technique. He uses the calendar to quickly and creatively get through six months, and the cliff top setting to accentuate the drama of Maitland’s position. The repetition of the words ‘You fool’ underlines the predicament, and keeps the pressure on Maitland. Earlier scenes have established that Alma was the sexual aggressor; this scene shifts sympathy back towards her, as she must endure the town gossip.
