The Radio Plays

Besides the movies and TV pilot, two Modesty Blaise radio plays were also recorded in the late 1970s and early 1980s: the novel 'Last Day in Limbo', and the short story 'I Had A Date With Lady Janet'.

 

Last Day in Limbo

'Thirty Minute Theatre: Modesty Blaise' was recorded in April 1978 and broadcast in the World Service in six weekly parts, beginning on Monday 12th June 1978 and ending on 17th July 1978. Barbara Kellerman played Modesty, and James Bolam played Willie. Here is the article in 'London Calling', the BBC World Service publication:

Here is the text of the article:

London Calling June 1978
DRAMA: It’s Modesty Blaise.....now she makes her radio debut

Mons (starts 12th June) 1130 rep Tues 1615, Fri 2330

She stands tall, long legs, long black hair and dark eyes. Young and superb. By her early twenties she had been leader of an international crime ring known as The Network where she transformed an ex-convict into her right-hand man and choice companion. His name? Willie Garvin. Now, her life is her own. Rich, clever and daring, there is no other woman like her. She is MODESTY BLAISE!

That is how the World Service’s latest fast-moving action-packed serial begins. It is the first time an attempt has been made to bring the flavour of the Modesty books (and cartoons) to radio.

There is a talented cast. Barbara Kellerman is Modesty, James Bolam is Willie Garvin, and Richard Vernon is Sir Charles Tarrant, a member of the Secret Service. All are well known in the theatre and on British television. The director is Derek Hoddinott who takes up the story:

“Modesty is truly an international character and it has been my exciting job to bring her to you in an adaptation, in six weekly parts, by Maurice Travers of the latest of the Modesty books Last Day In Limbo.

“The problem of re-producing a character so firmly established in the minds of millions is two-fold. Do you present a strip cartoon version of the character in radio terms? Or do you play if for real with all its bizarre qualities and gimmickry like a Bond Film?

“The assistance and advice of Peter O’Donnell, the author and creator of modesty, have been extremely valuable in the making of what has proved to be one of the most difficult serials I have yet produced for the World Service. There was the problem of keeping a grip on the reality of the situations and not allowing the peculiarities and bizarre nature of the plot and characters to get out of control. And, above all, Modesty must sound like a real woman, not some kind of fire-cracker.

“O’Donnell and I were in complete agreement. We decided to go for reality, believability and enjoyment. There will be many who will say ‘This isn’t my idea of Modesty Blaise’. Millions have their own ideas on what she is really like. But then again it can sometimes be just as exciting and rewarding not to get what you expect!

“I have attempted to produce Modesty Blaise with what I hope is a sense of fun. Yes, it is pure escapist entertainment but aren’t we all in need of that?”

Crew:
Written by Peter O'Donnell
Adaptor: Maurice Travers
Produced and Directed by Derek Hoddinott
Soundbalance by Keith Perrin

Cast*:
Barbara Kellerman - Modesty Blaise (All chapters)
James Bolam - Willie Garvin (All chapters)
Ferdy Mayne - Ramon Paxero (#1, 2, 3, 4, 6)
Peter Marinka - Damion (#1, 2, 3, 4, 6)
Ann Churchman - Aunt Benita (#1, 3)
Paul Gregory - John Dall(#1)
Gavin Campbell - Curly (#1)
David Ashford - Jake (#1)
Richard Vernon - Sir Gerald Tarrant (#2, 3, 5)
Carole Boyd - Maude Tiller (#2, 5, 6) & Theresa (#6)
Sean Probert - Jackoby & Blakeson (#2)
Alan Tilvern - Kim Crozier (#3, 5, 6)
Christopher Means - Danny Chavasse (#3, 5, 6)
David Griffin - Steve Collier (#4, 5)
Jenny Quayle - Dinah Collier (#4, 5)
David Goodison - Lucifer & Greg (#4)
Tony Newman - Brad & The Minister (#5)
Andrew Branch - Valdez (#6)
Adrian Egan - Dr. Benson & Martinez (#4) + Marker & The Guard (#6)

*names in italics have not yet been confirmed.

Runtime 2h 50min approx.

Download the audio files here!
The folder contains six MP3 files of ~66 meg each. The password you will need is pahlavi.
After you click the download icon , you'll be taken to another page. If you want to play the file, click the top image.

However, if you want to save the files to your computer, then scroll down the page and click on 'Download File':

Audio files and cast information provided courtesy of Vala, who also created the beautiful CD front and back covers below.

You can download these covers here.

 

I Had a Date with Lady Janet

In the early 1980s, the BBC produced a radio play of "I Had a Date with Lady Janet", featuring John Thaw as the voice of Willie Garvin. An audio tape reading of the short story was later released.

The audio file is available for download here.
(Folder contains two MP3 files at 17 meg each. The password you will need is pahlavi.)

Vala's CD cover below is also downloadable!