Beside the Manor Selby (2009)
Written, directed and scored by Ellsworth Hall Produced by Edward Hopf
Starring
Conrad Brooks George Stover Edward Warren Rhea Hodconnde
Joseph M. Dwyer Hal L. Rothwells
The Manor Selby in all its glory. While the Selbys are overseas tending to business during The Great
War, John Patmos arrives to meet his old friend Hezekiah Piker, who resides at the manor.
Manor
administrator Mr. Wedgewicke greets John Patmos and comments that
although no man is an island, before him stands the exception.
Within
the walls of Selby, a party is in progress; an affair organized by
Alissa Tides in an attempt to lift the spirits of Hezekiah Piker.
Hezekiah Piker distainful of the frivolity, presides with characteristic cynicism and
remorse.
John Patmos meets with Piker in an attempt to convince him to return
with him to Europe. Piker is unmoved until Patmos
reveals that the renowned Captain Vaushnic is coming to
Selby.
The gardener at Selby:
seemingly inane pronouncements may actually be abstruse
divinations. Who would be aware?
Captain
Vaushnic has arrived at Selby. Disfigured in the attack on Archduke
Ferdinand, Vaushnic left Sarajevo to solicit aid from his
old friend Hezekiah Piker. Vaushnic is part of the secret peace accords between Austria and France.
Captain
Despite Vaushnic's endeavors, the war rages on; the French soldiers have no recourse.
Piker's lover Alissa Tides confers with John Patmos in the garden while the gardener looks on.