Radio review – SDP – “The Killers” (1949) **1/2

Hemmingway’s short story would have made an effective radio play on its own but this one is taken from the movie of the story. While that used most of the short story, this radio version only uses the ending, but it does have Burt Lancaster reprising his star making role. Despite being unable to show off his great asset as an actor – his physical presence – Lancaster is effective, being particularly emotional during his attempted suicide scene. Shelley Winters takes over. It feels as though they didn’t quite get the timing for this one right – there’s a bit at the end where the narrator character (played by Edmund O’Brien in the film but I don’t know if he does so here, they don’t say so).