Conversation so far:
When did John Mortimer start writing?
John Mortimer was classified as medically unfit for military service in World War II. He worked for the Crown Film Unit under Laurie Lee, writing scripts.
What type of works did John Mortimer write?
John Mortimer worked for the Crown Film Unit under Laurie Lee, writing scripts for propaganda documentaries.
Did John Mortimer write any novels?
John Mortimer based his first novel, Charade, on his experiences with the Crown Film Unit.
When did John Mortimer write Charade?
In ''Charade,'' John Mortimer's first novel (published originally in England in 1947), the author developed his trick of using structural elements of the mystery to support more ambitious themes.
Did John Mortimer write any other novels besides Charade?
John Mortimer made his radio debut as a dramatist in 1955 with his adaptation of his own novel Like Men Betrayed.
How did John Mortimer adapt his novel Like Men Betrayed?
John Mortimer made his radio debut as a dramatist in 1955 with his adaptation of his own novel Like Men Betrayed for the BBC Light Programme.
Did John Mortimer do any other plays, besides Like Men Betrayed?
John Mortimer made his debut as an original playwright with The Dock Brief.
When did John Mortimer write The Dock Brief?
John Mortimer made his debut as an original playwright with The Dock Brief, first broadcast in 1957.

Question: What was the play about?
Self-contained rewrite: What was the play The Dock Brief about?