Name of the Writer
Douglas James
SUMMARY
“The Intruder” is a play written by British playwright and novelist, Eric Frank Russell. It follows the story of Gerrard, a lonely playwright who is visited by an intruder with a revolver. Despite the danger, Gerrard remains calm and tries to outsmart the intruder.
Throughout the play, Gerrard engages in a battle of wits with the intruder, who is trying to collect information about him before killing him and taking on his identity. Gerrard uses humor and trickery to try and learn about the intruder’s motives and to delay his impending death.
However, the tables turn when Gerrard reveals that he is actually a criminal on the run, and the intruder’s plan to take on his identity would be useless. Gerrard convinces the intruder to leave him unharmed and even offers to give him a lift in his car to help him escape.
In the end, Gerrard uses the opportunity to overpower the intruder and lock him in a cupboard, before calling the police. The play ends with the intruder’s capture and Gerrard’s cleverness winning the day.
The play highlights the power of wit and quick thinking in dangerous situations, and the importance of not underestimating one’s opponent. It also shows how even the most lonely and unassuming individuals can have unexpected depths and hidden talents.
The story revolves around Gerrard, a playwright living alone in a lonely cottage. One day, an intruder enters with a revolver and starts interrogating Gerrard about his life. The intruder reveals that he is a jewel robber and plans to kill Gerrard, take on his identity and live a comfortable life.
Gerrard tries to convince the intruder to spare his life by telling him that killing him will only lead to his own demise. The intruder unintentionally reveals that he is wanted for murder and killed a cop in the town. He believes Gerrard to be mysterious and the perfect person to take on his identity.
Gerrard reveals to the intruder that he is also a criminal and that his game is also over. He shows the intruder his disguise outfit and offers him a lift in his car to run away. Gerrard convinces the intruder that the police have arrived and instructs him to follow him.
As the intruder leans forward to inspect the police arrival, Gerrard pushes him into the cupboard, knocking the revolver out of his hand, and locks it from the outside. Gerrard then calls the police and reports the intruder’s presence in his cottage.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, “The Intruder” is a thrilling and entertaining play that showcases the importance of wit, cunning, and resourcefulness in dangerous situations. It is a reminder that we should never judge a book by its cover and that anyone, no matter how unassuming, can surprise us with their hidden strengths and talents. The story highlights how Gerrard uses his wit and intelligence to outsmart the intruder and save his own life. It also shows how both Gerrard and the intruder are criminals who ultimately face the consequences of their actions. The story keeps the reader engaged with its suspenseful plot and unexpected twists.
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