The Edge of Darkness

by Brian Clemens

After her disappearance several years ago, Emma finds that her memory is damaged; there is much she does not recognize or understand. Why does she appear familiar with certain Russian phrases; why has she such a horror of a harmless silver bell, of a portrait on the wall, of knives? Is she, in fact, Emma Cranwell? Behind these questions looms a menacing mystery which finally erupts into violence and horror.3 women, 3 men

78 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Brian Horace Clemens OBE is a British screenwriter and television producer, possibly best known for his work on The Avengers and The Professionals. Clemens is related to Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens), a fact reflected in the naming of his two sons, Samuel Joshua Twain Clemens and George Langhorne Clemens.

Reviews

[Jim Dooley]

Overall, I’m a fan of Brian Clemens, creator of one of my favorite television series from the 1960’s (“The Avengers”), and screenwriter of a number of mystery movies such as “And Soon The Darkness” (with Terry Nation). So, I approached his play, THE EDGE OF DARKNESS, with a great deal of anticipation.

I wish that I could say that it was a pleasant experience, but I was disappointed. There is so much repetition in the way scene construction is handled, dialogue that had me mentally shouting “Get on with it!” and highly melodramatic moments that strained credibility. Finally, unlike the formula that he supplied in his more successful ventures, the climax of the plot occurs off-stage and is told to us by other characters.

In the hands of someone else, my feeling was that THE EDGE OF DARKNESS was written by a theatrical novice who merely wanted to prove that he could write a play. Well, he did, but it is hardly one of his “shining hours.” Usually, I can easily complete the reading of a three-Act play in a couple of sessions. It wasn’t the length of this one that took longer for me, but a lack of enthusiasm for continuing.

Ah, well. In seeking to restore my faith in Mr. Clemens, I think I’ll schedule a mini-marathon of episodes from “The Avengers” and “The New Avengers” in the near future.