Death in Captivity - some sly slash

I've just done an immediate re-read of this little gem from 1952 and there are some some smashing scenes connected with an in-POW-camp production of The Barretts of Wimpole Street, which clearly has to have one of the chaps playing Elizabeth (and getting the Italian commandant a bit hot under the collar in doing so). Some beautifully sly dialogue:

"I love you," said Rolf-Callender.
"I should have refused to see you again after our first meeting," said Peter Perse.

Then it becomes obvious it's a rehearsal scene, with the great end line, "...and will you boys please remember that you're in love", but it does deliberately initially toy with and amuse the reader.

Then, when the escape is at last attempted and the POWs exit in disguise...

"Did you see Rolf-Callender?"
"No--I missed him--he was dressed as a girl, wasn't he? What was he like?"
"Gorgeous," said Byfold. "I hope he got through the tunnel without wrecking his corsage. He was heading for Vatican City."

Chortle.