A Tongue of Silver
| Company type | Television anthology series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
A Tongue of Silver is a 1959 installment of the Australian television drama anthology series Shell Presents. At a period when original Australian TV dramas were scarce, it featured John Meillon in a leading role following his appearance in another episode of the series, Thunder of Silence.
The broadcast dates were 17 October 1959 in Sydney, 20 February 1960 in Melbourne, and it was the inaugural Shell Presents episode shown in Western Australia on 17 October 1959. The episode was rebroadcast on 22 May 1960.
Plot
Amidst a thunderstorm, an enigmatic visitor arrives at an Irish village and persuades the inhabitants that he is a divine messenger. Claiming to have been dispatched by St Columba, the village’s patron saint, he proceeds to sell heavenly land parcels to generate funds intended for restoring the neglected church.
Cast
- Minnie Love as Lady Malmoney
- Mary Mackay as Miss Prym
- Tom Farley as Farmer Finney
- Gwen Plumb as Mrs Mappin
- Wynne Nelson as Miss Miller
- Nellie Lampore as Mother Sixpence
- John Meillon as Traveller
- Alistair Duncan as Willy Figg
- Lyn Falson as fiddler
- Jerry Duggan as constable
Production
The play was initially produced in the United States in 1957 for Matinee Theatre starring Robert Horton, and later adapted in 1960 for Startime featuring Robert Goulet. ATN-7 likely chose this script because of its established popularity and its apolitical Irish setting. Additionally, it presented a compelling lead role for John Meillon, who was cast due to his acclaimed work in Thunder of Silence.
Director Stanley Kramer, known for collaborating with Meillon on On the Beach, commended him as "a brilliant young actor" with international caliber.
According to Filmink, the selection reflected a preference for a proven narrative rather than new Australian scripts with Irish motifs, thereby steering clear of political sensitivities.
This episode marked Wynne Nelson’s only television performance. The set designs were created by Cul Cullen.
Reception
The television critic from the Sydney Morning Herald characterized the production as "folksy whimsy" that suffered from excessive length, clichés, and unconvincing accents. While Meillon’s portrayal was described as "quiet and craftsmanlike," other cast members were noted for lacking vitality. Direction by David Cahill received praise for being "fine and inventive," with careful attention to visual and sound details. Nevertheless, the critic questioned the merit of staging a weak Irish-themed play merely due to its novelty, suggesting that established works like Juno and the Paycock might be more worthwhile.
The Sunday edition of the Sydney Morning Herald considered it "a most creditable job for all concerned."
A reviewer from Woman's Weekly found the production frustrating, criticizing "phony Irish accents" and describing Meillon as "sadly miscast," despite acknowledging a strong underlying concept.
The Age commented on Meillon’s performance, noting a disconnect between his delivery style and character portrayal.
A review from 1967 singled out this episode alongside Johnny Belinda as among the most accomplished early Australian television dramas.
In its retrospective, Filmink praised Meillon’s casting as ideal for portraying a charming con artist, highlighting his harp playing. The review also lauded supporting performances by Gwen Plumb, Minnie Love, and Gerry Duggan. It concluded that while the play might not appeal to those indifferent to Irish-themed whimsy, enthusiasts would find it enjoyable.