An agngel flying over a Devon village is shot down by the local vicar – who only wings him – and so the angel takes up residence in the Vicarage and during his stay in the village observes so much !!

This is from an H G Wells story and was produced as the Sunday Play and broadcast ‘live’ on Sunday 3 February 1952 and repeated the following Thursday – again ‘live’

Kenneth Williams – then a straight actor took the role as The Angel

Because I was so young when this was transmitted I cannot recall much about it although I do recall seeing it.

Since starting to write this post, I have managed to purchase the BBC Radio play of ‘The Wonderful Visit’ and have listened to it so now know the story well.

When the angel is shot down, he ends up residing at the Vicarage where the Vicar starts to understand just who he is – realising that he is indeed an angel but the Doctor who treats him is much more sceptical. Eventually though he is taken aback by the speed the angel’s wings heal, but still is not friendly.

The Angel unnerves the villagers with one exception – a young local maid called Delia who falls in love with him.

The other villagers prove to be cruel towards him. The angel cannot believe how unpleasant the world of humans can be but his love of Delia is such a saving grace

The ending is tragic and yet, happy in that the angel and Delia are together forever.

I did really like ‘The Wonderful Visit’ written by H G Wells