AustLit

The script held in the Crawford Collection in the AFI Research Collection contains the following character notes (excluding regular characters):

'SUSAN SCOTT. Aged 22. An introverted psychopath. Shows little or no outward emotion. Her ability to communicate with others is limited and she considers herself an "outsider". She probably has latent lesbian tendencies. She has had little to do with men and they represent a frightening strangeness to her. They are a symbol of her unhappiness. The only people she feels any closeness to are her psychiatrist (Clare) and her room mate (Patti). Her association with these women is threatened because of the intervention of their respective menfolk (David and Fred). She feels she must hit back at them. Susan should be dark haired, cold eyed and able to handle a rifle. Must be able to drive.

'CLARE TURNER. Aged about 34. She is Susan's psychiatrist and is not unaware of Susan's adoration of her. She goes the "extra mile" in her work .... taking a beyond normal interest in her patients. This is a strong source of unhappiness to her husband, David ... especially when she adopts the unorthodox procedure of having patients in her home. She conveys a professional air towards her patients but inwardly she is quite sensitive and, perhaps, slightly neurotic herself.

'DAVID TURNER. Aged about 38. Clare's husband. He's intolerant of Clare's obsession towards her work. He's tired of playing second fiddle to her patients and has just about reached the end of his endurance. He's outgoing and emotional and makes no secret of his feelings. He is a well dressed, professional man and well spoken. Must be able to drive.

'ROY. Aged about 40. David's business colleague. Appears in one film scene. Plays golf with David. He is of reasonably happy disposition.

'PATTI MEADOWS. Aged 22. Gay, attractive. Susan's room mate. She knows of Susan's mental illness and treats her with a certain cautiousness. Nevertheless she genuinely feels for Susan and would like to do what she can for her. She has a pleasing personality and, for contrast with Susan, should preferably be blonde.

'MRS. PHILLIPS. Victim's landlady. A reserved soul of middle age. She's the type who has a soft spot for most of her boarders and is genuinely stunned when she hears of Martin's death.

'MR. SMITH. Middle aged poultry farmer who finds the body. Should be rugged type .. not [sic] very bright. Seems unmoved by his discovery of the body.

'MARTIN WHEELER. Victim. Aged about 28. Good looking. Confident. He picked Susan up in a hotel and tries to make love to her in his car. Gets killed in teaser.

'FRED. Patti's fiance. In his late twenties. Clean cut.

'PHOTOGRAPHER. Flashy dresser. An animated type who takes his work very seriously.

'YOUTH. GIRL. Attractive couple. Lovers in the park.'