The Grey Nurse Said Nothing

"The Grey Nurse Said Nothing" is a television play written by Sumner Locke Elliott. It was based on elements of the Shark Arm case but is mostly fictitious. The play was screened in the US in 1959^[1] as an episode of Playhouse 90. It was performed on American and Australian television.^[2]

"The Grey Nurse Said Nothing"
Playhouse 90 episode
Episode no.	Season 4 Episode 5
Directed by	Ron Winston
Teleplay by	Sumner Locke Elliott
Original air date	26 November 1959 (1959-11-26)
Running time	90 mins
Episode chronology

Plot

A shark is captured and throws up an identifiable human arm, with a tattoo. It is presumed the arm belongs to a boatman. A local tycoon is arrested for murder.

Witnesses at the trial include the tycoon's alcoholic wife, whom the boatman tried to seduce, and a local school teacher in love with the boatman.

Cast

• Ann Todd as Laura Mills
• Angela Lansbury as Hazel Wills
• Paul Comi as Patrick Aherne
• Gary Crutcher as Lynch mob leader
• Patricia Cutts as Mavis Greenop
• Michael David as Herbert Wills
• Don Dubbins as Bluey
• Hugh Griffith as Rev. Light
• Tony Haig as Boy
• Reg Lye

Production

The play was set in Australia, a location that was uncommon on American TV at the time.^[2]

The show had a cast of 120. Sumner Locke Elliot provided the sounds of a Kookaburra because none were available; he imitated one in the studio.^[3]

Reception

The Los Angeles Times called it a "suspenseful telecast" in which the cast "gave universally good performances."^[4]

The Chicago Daily Tribune called it "thoroughly enjoyable".^[5]