Tod Slaughter the audio version of SWEENEY TODD

Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, was a favorite character for England's over-the-top and rottenly ripe horror legend, Tod Slaughter (born Norman Carter Slaughter, 1885-1956). His first "bad guy" role was Long John Silver for a 1931 play, and followed it by playing grave robber William Hare, and then the legendary fictional character Sweeney Todd. The snickering villain tranferred his stage success to film in 1936, and also offered a waxworks (or shellac-works) version for home listening. It originally appeared as a two 78rpm set. In the 40's and 50's Slaughter divided his time, and heads from necks, doing both films and touring stage productions in England. His last film was a short subject, part of the "Puzzle Corner" series, in which, yes, he performed a monologue as Sweeney Todd.