Introduction
"On Dartmoor" is a one-act play by Neil Grant that initially seems like a crime story but is actually a satire on a certain type of idealism, with some comic moments. The play also highlights the political conflicts between Europe and Russia.
The setting of the play takes place in a room of a bungalow on Dartmoor, owned by two young friends, Muriel and Leonora. The room is modern and artistically furnished, indicating the girls are from wealthy families. There are two doors and windows on either side of the center door, with a telephone on a table to the right of the center door.
Characters
- Bill Syme
- Albert Read / Sergeant Read
- Fred Lee
- Two Servants
- Muriel Armstrong
- Leonora Ashley
Story of the Play
The play opens with Muriel being informed by the police about an escaped criminal, and being told to alert them if he comes their way. An engaging conversation between Muriel and her friend Leonora follows, giving us insight into their naive and idealistic lifestyle.
Later, the escaped prisoner named Bill Syme enters their home. Surprisingly, the two women provide him shelter and treat him like a guest, completely unaware that he is a dangerous criminal. Blinded by their idealism and ignorance of the real world, they fail to recognize that Bill is manipulating them.
Initially portrayed as intelligent, Muriel and Leonora's actions contradict this, with Bill appearing more cunning. The women serve him food and drink as he spins a tale about his supposed unjust imprisonment, appealing to their anarchist beliefs against rules and authority. Bill asks for money to escape to Plymouth, which the women provide, seeing themselves as helping an unjustly persecuted man. They even lend him the grandfather's old suit to change out of his convict clothes.
When they hear a car outside, thinking it's the police, they hastily hide Bill upstairs. But it turns out to be two conmen posing as a detective and his partner, who ransack the house and steal valuables before escaping. Realizing they were tricked, the disillusioned women are crying when an actual escaped convict named Fred Lee arrives pleading for help. However, in their frustration, they beat and bind him while calling the real police.
Thank you.
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