Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Gavin Mortimer - The Great Swim

4 Extra Debut. In the Roaring Twenties, many doubted that a woman could swim the Channel, until one remarkable attempt. Stars Madeleine Potter.

Adapted by Anita Sullivan from the book by Gavin Mortimer.

In the roaring twenties the world was changing at an electric pace. In science, commerce and art, everything seemed possible and the challenges were there to be confronted. By 1926, only five men had ever conquered the English Channel, and the race to become the first woman to swim the Channel captivated two continents. Many doubted that a woman could do it.

Gertrude Ederle, a brilliant young swimmer, was the 19-year-old daughter of a German migrant to the United States. Her father Henry Ederle ran a successful butcher's business in New York. Ederle's cross-channel swim was sponsored by the New York Daily News.

The News sent a crime reporter, Julia Harpman, to accompany the swimmer and cover the story and this drama is told through Julia's eyes.

Cast
Julia Harpman ..... Madeleine Potter
Trudy Ederle ..... Emily Bruni
Lillian Cannon ..... Samantha Dakin
Bill Burgess/Rutherford ..... Philip Jackson
Arthur Sorensen ..... Nathan Nolan
Joe Costa/Frank Pegler/Williams ..... Sam Dale
Henry "Pop" Ederle/Abbot ..... Nathan Osgood

Producer: Karen Rose
A Sweet Talk production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4.

45 minutes

Last on

Thu 5 Mar 2015 04:15

Credit

Role Contributor
Producer Karen Rose

Broadcasts

  • Wed 1 Sep 2010 14:15
  • Mon 23 Jan 2012 14:15
  • Wed 4 Mar 2015 11:15
  • Wed 4 Mar 2015 21:15
  • Thu 5 Mar 2015 04:15

Opening Lines

Opening Lines

John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.

The Shakespeare Sessions

The Shakespeare Sessions

Immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s world