Strangers on a Train

by Craig Warner

Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith. Guy Haines and Charles Bruno meet on a train and, because they are strangers, they think they can say anything while chatting. Bruno suggests that they could get away with murder-he could kill Guy's unfaithful wife while Guy could eliminate his hated father. Guy does not take him seriously, but Bruno is deadly serious. The basis of the classic film by Alfred Hitchcock which starred Farley Granger and Robert Walker.2 women, 5 men

Genres: Plays, Mystery

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1950

Reviews

[Dan Blackley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I directed this show and read the script. Although it is based on the novel, it ISN't the Hitchcock film!! Now I still think it's a great script and a great thriller, but most people only know the famous movie.

I think that the story is more intense than the movie version. Bruno is a great villain. The aftermath of what happens is really surprising. Great characters for actors to play. Play was a sell out and very popular with audiences.

[Realini Ionescu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strangers on a Train- play adapted from the novel by Patricia Highsmith
Intriguing and good adaptation


- What do you do if you meet a lunatic and he entangles you in a serious crime, murder even?
- This is the theme of this thriller


As evident from the title, two strangers meet on a train and become acquainted.
This is perhaps the first lesson we need to learn so as to avoid being trapped by an apparently innocent stranger:
- Do not start giving away your issues
When Guy Haines encounters Bruno Anthony, the men exchange information and then mention their main problems.
Guy Haines is married to an unfaithful wife that carries the child of a married lover and not just that, but won’t let go.
Bruno Anthony is mad with his father…
- Well, the man is crazy anyway
So Bruno, also known in the play as Charles, comes up with the idea of killing the woman that blocks the path to happiness for Haines.
After having quite a few drinks, the latter even says:
- Yah, sure
But only because he thinks this is a joke and they are not really going to do anything so preposterous and violent.
I guess this is where I need to insert a spoiler alert, even if I am not sure how much would be revealed that is not known:

- The surprise is that the violent Bruno Anthony calls from the place where his target is in sight
- I am going to kill your wife
Guy Haines appears as a second victim in this story.
Although, that is just up to the point where he indulges himself in the setup and stops protesting and goes along with the criminal.
A jury might qualify this situation as second degree murder, if there is such a thing, coming after the first.
When you kill someone with intent and you plan the details and all, that is the most serious, but there are murders when it was not intended.
At the start of the play there is an interesting passage from Plato and the dark and the white horse, followed by a dialogue.
- Nature versus Nurture
The argument in conversation is that we all have a very dark side deep down and we get to see it at different moments.
I was surprised and delighted to find that the play had a cast with stars playing various characters.
Martin Sheen, Bill Nighy…
I think I have Bill Nighy as playing the detective, but if Martin Sheen was really in the adaption I do not know which his character was

[Jarrod Keeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m currently studying this script with a community theater. It’s got interesting characters and suspenseful moments. It is a script that rewards multiple read-throughs, as you’ll catch on to different motifs and parallels each time.

I’ll be sure to check-out the novel and film of the same title! (I understand they are all different from each other 😊)

[Adam Stevenson]

I read this play because I am acting in it, playing the role of Guy Haines. It’s a subtle, unsettling work and poor old Guy has to go through a lot. I hope I am only able to play it.

[Owen Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

My eyes are stinging. Wow.