The Debut of Larry Richards

by Henry Farrell

Genres: Short Stories, Classics, Fiction

Unknown Binding

About the author

Henry Farrell was an American novelist and screenwriter, best known as the author of the renowned gothic horror story What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, which was made into a 1962 film starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.

Farrell was born Charles Farrell Myers in California, and grew up in Chowchilla, California. Under the name Charles F. Myers, he wrote the "Toffee" short stories in SF magazines in the 1940s and 1950s. Later taking the pseudonym Henry Farrell, his first novel was The Hostage, published in 1959. He would publish five novels between 1959 - 1967.

He also wrote numerous teleplays for television movies and series such as Perry Mason and Alfred Hitchcock Presents

Farrell passed away in his home in Pacific Palisades, California at age 85. According to his obituary, he completed another novel, titled A Piece of Clarisse, shortly before his death. There is currently no word on publication.

Reviews

[Hannah]

This was a very suspenseful short story about a stage actor making a comeback on the screen. During auditions, the actor upset a young unknown actor, hurting his feelings more than he realised.

The story was very well written; the actor, Larry Richards isn't exactly likeable, yet the reader is drawn in and wants to know what will happen next.

This would easily have been four stars had it had a stronger ending. I am glad to have discovered more by Henry Farrell.

[George Ilsley]

This is a short story, about a stage actor attempting a comeback, and now working with cameras. There is not very much going on here, and it seems obvious why this story never made it to print before 2013.

[Candice]

A good cautionary tale... meanness to others plus guns in the hands of the affronted equals the potential of living in fear. Suspenseful and succinct.

[Nikki]

3.5 stars. I felt it was quite a suspenseful story, and it took a couple turns I wasn’t expecting.