Quick Curtain

Originally published in 1934, this satisfying entry in the British Library Crime Classics series from Melville (1910–1983) presents a vivid picture of London’s theater world. On the opening night of a musical comedy operetta called Blue Music, the show’s producer, Douglas B. Douglas, pulls out all the stops to ensure its success, but the leading man, Brandon Baker, is shot dead, and it looks as if the show will fail. Scotland Yard Inspector Wilson—who happens to be in the audience—takes up the case with his journalist son, Derek. Melville (the pseudonym of scriptwriter and radio producer William Caverhill) uses his inside knowledge of the theater to skewer just about everyone in the business, from the actors to the critics, and satirizes popular detective fiction. The interplay between Wilson and Derek is reminiscent of that between Holmes and Watson, and a journey into a country village finds the place filled with gossips and inept policemen. The ending is a bit of a letdown, but overall the comedy holds up. (Dec.)