Shadow of a Pale Horse

"Shadow of a Pale Horse" was a television play written by Bruce Stewart which was produced for British, US and Australian TV.

Bruce Stewart was a New Zealand playwright who moved to London to work as a writer and actor. Shadow of a Pale Horse won him a Silver Dagger Award of the Mystery Writers of America.

Plot
Set in the 19th century in the New South Wales town of Cobar, a young man is found battered to death. A man called Jem is found next to him, drunk, and is accused of the crime. Jem is arrested but floods prevent him from being transported for trial.

Condringer, an old German prospector, suggests the town hold its own trial. Rigger, the father of the murdered youth, is given the job of defending Jem. Kirk, the dead youth's employer, is given the job of prosecuting him.

1959 British television version
The play was first presented on English TV in 1959 starring Patrick McGoohan.

Bruce Stewart had arrived in England three years previously to work as an actor. The play was very well received.

The play was later Broadcast on Canadian TV.

1960 British television version
It was filmed again for English TV in January 1960 starring Patrick Macnee.