Hitchcock classic stands the test of time
SIXTY years have passed since Alfred Hitchcock’s version of Dial M for Murder was released.
So, when All Creatures Great and Small actor Christopher Timothy was offered a role in the latest stage version of the story, he was concerned it was perhaps “too old”.
“I’m very familiar with the film,” Christopher said.
“I first saw it when I was 10 and I’ve seen it many times over the years.
“Actually, I watched it just a month before I was asked to do the stage play and I did think it was maybe too old now, but when I read Frederick Knott’s script I realised how good it was. He really knew what he was doing.”
The 73- year- old plays Inspector Hubbard, a role performed by John Williams in the film, which also starred Grace Kelly and Ray Milland.
Although the plot and ending may be familiar to many, Christopher says it will still keep audiences on edge.
“The tension has been really racked up by our director,” he promised.
Out of his many roles on stage and screen over the years, it’s as James Herriot in All Creatures that Christopher is best known.
But after appearing as the same character for so long, finding more television work proved problematic.
“It’s not a millstone, but after I finished with the show I didn’t act on TV for eight years.
“Thankfully I was still on stage.
“So when Doctors came along I grabbed it.
“They also let me direct, which I’m quite passionate about.”