Mr Bowling Buys a Newspaper
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Books |
Mr Bowling Buys a Newspaper is a psychological thriller authored by Donald Henderson, marking his debut novel published under his own identity in 1943.
Plot summary
The story follows Mr Bowling, a serial murderer who purchases newspapers after committing his crimes to verify if they are reported. His killings are driven not by enjoyment but by a profound loathing of existence and a desire to be apprehended and executed. Following his final homicide, he encounters Alice, the devout daughter of a vicar, who becomes the central figure of his affection and ultimately rescues him by providing a fabricated alibi, extending her forgiveness.
Publication and reception
Prior to this work, Henderson had written under various pen names; however, Mr Bowling Buys a Newspaper was the first to bear his true name. The novel attracted considerable critical discourse during wartime Britain, eliciting mixed responses: while Raymond Chandler regarded it as his preferred novel, others criticized it harshly, labeling it as 'the last word in filth'.
Despite multiple adaptations, the book's prominence diminished after Henderson’s premature death in 1947. Although film rights were acquired, no cinematic version was produced. After being out of circulation for many years, it was reissued by Collins Crime Club in 2019, featuring an introduction by Martin Edwards.
Adaptations
- The novel was transformed into a stage play in 1946 at London's Embassy Theatre, starring Anthony Hawtrey and Jean Forbes-Robertson. This theatrical rendition concentrated on a single setting from the original narrative.
- In 1948, actor Gene Raymond secured the film rights.
- A British television adaptation aired in 1950 with performances by Hawtrey and Vida Hope.
- The 1957 television movie directed by Stephen Harrison featured Hugh Sinclair portraying Mr Bowling and Beryl Reid as Alice.