“Sorry, Wrong Number” is a gripping radio play by Lucille Fletcher, first aired in 1943. It follows Mrs. Stevenson, an invalid who accidentally overhears a murder plot via a wrong phone call. The play masterfully builds suspense, exploring themes of isolation and helplessness, as Mrs. Stevenson desperately tries to prevent the crime. Its tight script and psychological depth have made it a classic of the radio drama genre. The play is widely available in PDF format for study and reference, offering insights into its construction and timeless appeal.
1.1 Background and Publication History
“Sorry, Wrong Number” is a seminal radio play written by Lucille Fletcher, first broadcast in 1943 as part of the “Suspense” series. The play gained immediate acclaim for its gripping narrative and psychological depth, becoming one of the most iconic episodes of the series. Its success led to numerous re-airings and adaptations, solidifying its place in radio drama history. The script was later reprinted by permission of the author and Dramatists Play Service, Inc., with the condition that its use be confined to study and reference. The play’s copyright ensures it cannot be publicly performed or read without authorization. Today, the script is widely available in PDF format, offering fans and scholars a detailed look at Fletcher’s masterful storytelling. The PDF version includes sound cues, stage directions, and character names, making it a valuable resource for understanding the play’s structure and production. Its enduring popularity highlights the timeless appeal of Fletcher’s work.
Plot Summary of the Radio Play
Mrs. Stevenson, an invalid, accidentally overhears a murder plot during a wrong phone call. Desperate to alert authorities, she faces skepticism and bureaucratic hurdles, intensifying her panic. The play’s suspense builds as her isolation deepens, culminating in a tragic revelation. The PDF script captures the gripping narrative and psychological tension.
2;1 The Setup: Mrs. Stevenson’s Fateful Call
The story begins with Mrs. Stevenson, an invalid confined to her bed, attempting to contact her husband at his office. Frustrated by a continuously busy line, she accidentally dials a wrong number. Unbeknownst to her, this mistaken call connects her to a chilling conversation between two men plotting a murder. The dialogue she overhears is fragmented but disturbing, leaving her in a state of growing alarm. Mrs. Stevenson’s character is quickly established as a determined yet anxious woman, desperate to prevent the impending crime. Her bedroom setting, complete with a night table, a lamp, and a telephone, creates an intimate yet tense atmosphere. The PDF script highlights her growing desperation as she tries to alert the operator and authorities, showcasing her resourcefulness despite her physical limitations. This initial setup masterfully introduces the central conflict and establishes the play’s suspenseful tone. The wrong number becomes the catalyst for a race against time, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.
2.2 Rising Action: The Suspense Builds
As Mrs. Stevenson tries to alert the authorities, the tension escalates, and the play’s suspense reaches a fever pitch. Despite her frantic efforts, the operator and police remain skeptical, unable to trace the call without more specific details. The fragmented nature of the overheard conversation leaves Mrs. Stevenson with limited information, further complicating her attempts to intervene. Her desperation grows as she realizes the gravity of the situation, and the audience is left on edge, sharing her sense of urgency. The PDF script captures her escalating frustration and the chilling realization that time is running out. Fletcher’s masterful pacing ensures that each moment builds upon the last, maintaining a gripping narrative flow. The rising action is heightened by the play’s intimate setting—Mrs. Stevenson’s dimly lit bedroom, complete with a ticking clock and the constant presence of her telephone—creating an atmosphere of claustrophobia and dread. The audience is drawn deeper into the story, eager to uncover the fate of the mysterious victim and the culprit. The tension reaches a boiling point as the events unfold, setting the stage for the shocking climax.
2.3 Climax: The Murder Plot Unfolds
The climax of “Sorry, Wrong Number” unfolds with a chilling revelation that heightens the tension and shock. Mrs. Stevenson, desperate to prevent the murder, continues her frantic attempts to alert the authorities, but her efforts are met with increasing futility. The PDF script reveals the shocking twist: the murder plot is actually targeting her. This realization sends waves of dread through both Mrs. Stevenson and the audience, as the true horror of her situation becomes clear. The sound effects and dialogue in the script masterfully build the suspense, creating a sense of inevitability as the clock ticks closer to the fatal moment. The murderers, once shadowy figures, are now closing in on their unsuspecting victim. The play’s climax is a masterclass in dramatic tension, with Fletcher’s writing ensuring that every word and sound contributes to the unfolding tragedy. The PDF version of the script captures the intensity of this pivotal moment, leaving readers on the edge of their seats as the events race toward their devastating conclusion.
2.4 Resolution: The Tragic Conclusion
The resolution of “Sorry, Wrong Number” delivers a heart-wrenching and devastating conclusion. Despite Mrs. Stevenson’s relentless efforts to alert the authorities and prevent the murder, her attempts are ultimately in vain; The PDF script captures the chilling moment when the murderers arrive at her home, leaving no doubt about her fate. The sound effects and dialogue build to a harrowing climax, as Mrs. Stevenson realizes she is the intended victim. The play ends abruptly, with her screams echoing as the murderers carry out their plan. This tragic conclusion underscores the themes of isolation and helplessness, leaving listeners in stunned silence. The PDF version of the script preserves the original radio play’s intensity, ensuring that the impact of this heartbreaking resolution remains as powerful as ever. The ending lingers in the mind, a testament to Lucille Fletcher’s masterful storytelling and the enduring legacy of this suspenseful drama.
Lucille Fletcher was a renowned playwright and screenwriter, best known for her suspenseful radio dramas. Her work, including “Sorry, Wrong Number,” is celebrated for its psychological depth and masterful storytelling. The PDF script of her play remains a popular study resource.
3.1 Biography and Writing Style
Lucille Fletcher, a prominent playwright and screenwriter, is best known for her contributions to the radio drama genre. Her personal life, including her marriage to composer Bernard Herrmann, deeply influenced her creative work. Fletcher’s writing style is characterized by its psychological depth, masterful suspense, and ability to evoke tension through dialogue and sound. In “Sorry, Wrong Number,” her unique style shines, as she crafts a gripping narrative centered around a single character’s desperate attempts to prevent a murder. The play’s tight structure and reliance on sound effects reflect her expertise in radio drama. Fletcher’s work often explores themes of isolation and fear, resonating with audiences. The PDF script of her play is widely studied for its innovative use of medium and narrative techniques, showcasing her ability to create compelling stories within the constraints of radio broadcasting. Her legacy endures as a pioneer in suspenseful storytelling, inspiring writers and audiences alike.
Main Character: Mrs. Stevenson
Mrs. Stevenson is the central figure in “Sorry, Wrong Number,” portrayed as an invalid confined to her bed. Her accidental overhearing of a murder plot drives the story, showcasing her desperation and resourcefulness. The PDF script highlights her emotional journey, illustrating her struggle to alert authorities despite her physical limitations. Her character embodies themes of isolation and helplessness, making her a compelling and relatable protagonist.
4.1 Character Analysis and Development
Mrs. Stevenson, the protagonist of “Sorry, Wrong Number,” undergoes significant character development throughout the play. Initially portrayed as an anxious and dependent invalid, she evolves into a determined individual desperate to prevent a murder. Her physical limitations and fraying nerves heighten the tension, while her relentless efforts to alert authorities reveal her inner strength. The PDF script details her emotional transformation, from panic to resolve, as she confronts the reality of her situation. Her character serves as a study in psychological suspense, illustrating how isolation and helplessness can amplify fear. The play’s focus on her internal struggle and external challenges makes her a memorable and complex figure in radio drama history.
Historical Context of the Play
“Sorry, Wrong Number” was first aired in 1943 during the golden age of radio drama. It exemplifies the medium’s ability to captivate audiences through sound and suspense. The play’s tight script and psychological focus reflect the era’s storytelling innovations, making it a landmark of radio history.
5.1 The Era of Radio Dramas
The mid-20th century marked the golden age of radio dramas, with “Sorry, Wrong Number” emerging as a landmark production. Aired in 1943 as part of the Suspense series, the play capitalized on radio’s unique ability to craft tension through sound and dialogue. Unlike visual media, radio relied on imagination, making the medium perfect for psychological thrillers. The play’s success was fueled by its tight script, masterful sound effects, and Agnes Moorehead’s iconic performance. It exemplified how radio could captivate audiences without visual elements, leveraging silence, voice inflections, and atmospheric music to build suspense. The era also saw a rise in serialized dramas and anthology series, which “Sorry, Wrong Number” helped popularize. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to innovate within the constraints of radio, creating a timeless story that continues to resonate with audiences. The play remains a testament to the power of radio as a storytelling medium.
Themes and Symbolism
“Sorry, Wrong Number” explores themes of isolation and helplessness, as Mrs. Stevenson, an invalid, grapples with a deadly situation. The telephone symbolizes both connection and entrapment, highlighting her inability to escape the unfolding horror. The play’s suspense underscores the fragility of life and communication.
6.1 Isolation and Helplessness
“Sorry, Wrong Number” masterfully portrays isolation and helplessness through Mrs. Stevenson, an invalid confined to her home. Her physical limitations and reliance on the telephone for connection underscore her vulnerability. When she accidentally overhears a murder plot, her attempts to alert authorities are met with skepticism, deepening her sense of isolation. The play’s use of sound and dialogue emphasizes her inability to escape the deadly situation, as the telephone becomes both her only lifeline and a source of entrapment. The setting—a dimly lit room with a bed, night table, and clock—reinforces her confinement, heightening the tension. Mrs. Stevenson’s frantic efforts to intervene, despite her physical limitations, highlight the theme of helplessness in the face of danger. The play’s suspense is amplified by her isolation, creating a chilling narrative that explores the psychological and emotional struggles of a woman trapped in a desperate situation. This theme resonates deeply, evoking fear and empathy in listeners.
Adaptations and Interpretations
The radio play has been adapted into a 1948 film starring Barbara Stanwyck and stage productions, emphasizing its enduring appeal. The PDF script highlights sound and music cues, showcasing its adaptability for visual and theatrical interpretations. Agnes Moorehead’s iconic performance remains a benchmark, illustrating the story’s versatility across mediums.
7.1 Film and Stage Versions
“Sorry, Wrong Number” has been adapted into various forms, including a 1948 film starring Barbara Stanwyck, which expanded the story while retaining its suspenseful core. The film adaptation added visual elements to enhance the tension, offering a new perspective on Mrs. Stevenson’s plight. Stage productions have also been popular, with the play’s tight script and psychological depth lending themselves well to live performances. The PDF script of the original radio play has been a valuable resource for these adaptations, providing detailed sound and music cues that help recreate the eerie atmosphere. Agnes Moorehead’s iconic portrayal of Mrs. Stevenson in the radio version has influenced many interpretations, setting a high standard for actors in both film and stage adaptations. These versions highlight the timeless appeal of the story, proving its versatility across different mediums. The play’s ability to adapt while maintaining its core suspense has cemented its place in both radio and visual storytelling history.
Availability of the Script
The PDF of “Sorry, Wrong Number” is widely available for download, offering the original radio play script with sound cues and character details. It is also accessible as a Word Doc or text file for easy reference and study.
8.1 PDF and Digital Versions
The script of “Sorry, Wrong Number” is widely available in PDF format, allowing easy access for readers and scholars. It can be downloaded for free from various online platforms, including Scripts.com and the Internet Archive. The PDF version retains the original radio play’s integrity, featuring sound cues, character names, and stage directions. Additionally, the script is available as a Word Doc (.docx) or text file (.txt) for flexibility. Platforms like Dramatists Play Service and other digital archives provide legal access to the play, ensuring its preservation and study. The PDF format is particularly popular for its readability and ability to maintain the play’s original layout. Users can also find summaries and analyses in digital versions, enhancing understanding of the play’s themes and production elements. This accessibility has made “Sorry, Wrong Number” a staple in academic and theatrical circles, fostering continued appreciation of Lucille Fletcher’s work.
Cast and Notable Performances
Agnes Moorehead delivered a standout performance as Mrs; Stevenson, bringing depth and urgency to the role of the invalid woman. Her portrayal is widely regarded as one of the most memorable in radio drama history. Ruth Godley also appeared in notable adaptations, adding to the play’s enduring legacy through her compelling acting. These performances have cemented the play’s reputation as a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling.
9.1 Agnes Moorehead’s Role
Agnes Moorehead delivered a legendary performance as the invalid Mrs. Stevenson in Sorry, Wrong Number. Her portrayal of the frantic, bedridden woman who overhears a murder plot captivated audiences. Moorehead’s ability to convey desperation and urgency through voice alone was unparalleled, making her character’s plight deeply unsettling. Her performance became iconic in radio drama history, earning widespread acclaim. The role showcased her mastery of emotional expression, as she brought Mrs. Stevenson’s growing realization of her own danger to life. Moorehead’s interpretation remains a benchmark for suspense acting, and her voice work in this play is often studied for its psychological depth. Her contribution to the play’s success was instrumental, cementing its place as a classic of the genre. Moorehead’s legacy in Sorry, Wrong Number continues to inspire actors and writers to this day.
Production Elements
The production of Sorry, Wrong Number relied heavily on sound effects and music to create a tense, immersive experience. The script included detailed cues for phone rings, whispers, and ambient noises, which were essential for building suspense. The play’s minimalist set design focused on Mrs. Stevenson’s bedroom, with a night table, lamp, and clock serving as key props to emphasize her isolation. The clock, in particular, was used to heighten tension as time ticked away. Music played a subtle but crucial role, with eerie tones underscoring the gravitas of the situation. The use of silence was equally effective, allowing the audience’s imagination to fill in the gaps. The production’s sound engineering was praised for its ability to convey the psychological horror of the scenario. These elements, combined with Agnes Moorehead’s powerful performance, made the play a masterclass in audio storytelling. The script, available in PDF format, provides a detailed look at these production elements and their execution.