Reply #38: An anthem sprinter.... [View All]

These one-acts (including the title play) grew out of Bradbury's experiences living in Ireland while he was writing the screenplay for John Huston's adaptation of Moby Dick. Apparently, the Irish (of which I count myself one through ancestry) will bet on anything, especially if it gives them an excuse to enjoy a pint at some point.

In movie theaters in Ireland back in the day (I have no idea if they still do this), the theater would play "God Save the Queen" (the "anthem") after the movie's final credits had run. Clubs were formed in local pubs, and they'd sponsor (and bet upon) their fastest member. Whoever could make it from the theater (startign as soon as the song began) back to the pub the fastest won (pints all around!). Some were reputed to be so fast that they'd make it to the pub before the anthem finished playing at the theater. One such club (featured in its own one-act) was "The Queen's Own Evaders."

It's a delightful one-act, and Bradbury's affection for the Irish really shows.