Neck story
Lady Turton, an art collector's wife, is conducting a series of affairs, much to the disapproval of her resentful husband and their butler, Jelks. They have an estate filled with art; even the outdoor gardens have fantastical pieces of topiary and abstract sculpture. One night, while cavorting with Major Jack Haddock and making fun of her husband's beloved artworks, she finds her head trapped in a priceless piece of art. Sir Basil Turton asks Jelks to fetch him a tool with which he can free her head. Jelks brings him both an axe and a saw. After considering the problem, Sir Basil decides upon the axe. Directed by: Christopher Miles. Story by: Roald Dahl.
12 total · 7 major · 4 minor
| Theme | Level | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| art discussion | major | The characters disagreed as to the appeal of the various art objects collected. |
| collecting objects | major | Sir Basil Turton was a collector of precious works of art. |
| extramarital affair | major | Natalia cheated on her husband with a number of men, including art historian John Bannister. |
| husband and wife | major | Sir Basil Turton and Natalia Turton. |
| prejudicial attitude of superiority against someone less well off than one's self | major | A couple of the rich snobs looked down on the plebeian art historian. |
| snobbishness | major | A couple of rich British snobs looked down on a plebeian art historian. |
| spouse murder | major | The question left hanging at the end: would the husband murder his cheating wife rather than destroy a masterpiece? |
| embarrassment | minor | Natalia, a particularly prideful woman, was mortified when she got her head stuck in the hollow of a priceless sculpture. |
| embarrassment | minor | Prideful Natalia was mortified when she got her head stuck in the hollow of a priceless sculpture. |
| master and servant | minor | Natalia ordered around her butler Jelks. |