He appeared in the bbc tv version in 1954 which started Peter Crushing. When that proved a huge success, it was turned into a movie (1956) with many of the tv cast returning, inc Pleasance. However Cushing was left out as it was decided an actor known to an American audience should be cast. Cushing was still a couple of years away from his breakout Hammer movie, Curse of Frankenstein. Ironically, a few years later, when Dr Who was turned into movies, Cushing was considered now a major star & was cast. With original tv actor William Hartnell being dropped.