The play is a thriller, or rather burlesque of a thriller, and is based on the famous case of Dr. E. W. Pritchard, of Glasgow, who poisoned his wife and mother-in-law, and was the last man to have a public hanging on Glasgow Green on 28th July 1865. The point that intrigued the playwright was that at Pritchard's trial another doctor alleged that he knew Pritchard was poisoning his relatives, but had not informed the police because it would have been unprofessional.

Deviating somewhat from the original circumstances of the Dr. Pritchard case, James Bridie felt that something could be said for a young and inexperienced doctor adopting the attitude of not informing the police because it would have been unprofessional and it is upon this conception that the author has written this intriguing and exciting play which he has set in the Glasgow surgery of Dr. Angelus in the year 1919.

Alastair is at his most unctiously avuncular in the role of the astonishing Dr. Angelus. George Cole is in the not unfamiliar role of a young and inexperienced partner, and Jane Aird is seen as the frightened wife. Much of the fun is provided by Betty Marsden as a forward and suspicious young patient, and Molly Urquhart as a pert and obstinate domestic who proves to be too fond of both the doctor and his whisky bottle.

James Bridie has invested the play with his customary wit, many sly digs at the medical profession and a fine construction, which carries the action on without a break. This production of the play was presented by Alec L. Rea and E. P. Clift.