The Door Between was based on Anthony the Absolute, a novel by Samuel Merwyn. The story begins in Japan, where American musicologist Anthony Eckert (Monroe Salisbury) is busily collecting records of authentic Japanese folk songs. While thus preoccupied, Eckert makes the acquaintance of a drunkard who has vowed to track down and murder his errant wife. The scene shifts to a hotel in Beijing, China, where Anthony happens to hear a beautiful female voice emanating from an adjoining room. The voice belongs to Heloise (Ruth Clifford), who happens to be the estranged wife of the vengeful drunkard. When the latter shows up in Beijing to carry out his murder threat, he is stopped by Anthony. A fight ensues, with Anthony emerging as the winner. Thoroughly dejected, the husband thoughtfully kills himself, leaving Anthony free to marry Heloise -- and, as an afterthought, to introduce her splendid singing voice to the rest of the world.
by Hal Erickson
synopsis
