Alvin Purple (TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Television sitcom |
Alvin Purple was an Australian sitcom television series produced by the ABC in 1976. This show extended the narrative of the main character from the popular sex comedy films Alvin Purple (1973) and Alvin Purple Rides Again (1974), with its premiere airing on 19 August 1976.
Graeme Blundell returned to portray Alvin, who lived with a new character named Spike, played by Chris Haywood. Mirroring the films' premise, Alvin continued to attract numerous women, played by prominent Australian actresses such as Tina Bursill, Jacki Weaver, Belinda Giblin, Peta Toppano, and Chantal Contouri. The cast also featured Dawn Lake and Leonard Teale.
Main
- Graeme Blundell as Alvin
- Chris Haywood as Spike
Guest Appearances
- Angela Punch McGregor as Lucy (1 episode)
- Anya Saleky as Mandy (1 episode)
- Belinda Giblin as Monique (1 episode)
- Briony Behets as Pam (1 episode)
- Chantal Contouri as Christine (1 episode)
- Dawn Lake as Mum (4 episodes)
- Jacki Weaver as Emily
- Jane Harders
- Jeff Ashby as Dr Strange / Harry (2 episodes)
- John Ewart as Bus Driver / Mac / Murray / SOS Temple (4 episodes)
- Judi Farr as Slater (1 episode)
- Jude Kuring as Arlene (1 episode)
- Judy Lynne as Meryl Sugars (1 episode)
- Judy Morris as Sophie (1 episode)
- Kate Sheil as Sally (1 episode)
- Kirrily Nolan as Monica Strange (1 episode)
- Kris McQuade as Elsie (1 episode)
- Leigh Matthews as Max (1 episode)
- Leonard Teale
- Lesley Baker as Myrtle (1 episode)
- Lex Marinos as Bruno (1 episode)
- Lorna Lesley as Orchestra (1 episode)
- Lynette Curran as Fan (1 episode)
- Mercia Deane-Johns as Daisy (1 episode)
- Nigel Lovell as Dad (1 episode)
- Noeline Brown as Iris Temple (1 episode)
- Peta Toppano as Angelica (1 episode)
- Roger Ward as Chicka (1 episode)
- Tina Bursill as Bernice (1 episode)
Production
In late 1974, discussions took place between Tim Burstall, Hexagon Productions, and ABC regarding a potential television adaptation of Alvin Purple. The ABC ultimately produced the series in partnership with Alan Hopgood, who was responsible for the original screenplay.
During these negotiations, neither Burstall nor Alan Finney of Hexagon claimed ownership rights over the Alvin character. However, after ABC had completed several episodes, Burstall and Hexagon asserted their copyright over Alvin and initiated legal action against ABC for infringement.
Although ABC intended to air the series on 21 July 1975, the broadcast was postponed pending legal proceedings.
In the case of Hexagon Pty Ltd and Ors v The Australian Broadcasting Commission [1981] VR 224, the court determined that copyright belonged to Hexagon. Nevertheless, enforcement was denied because Hexagon had failed to take timely measures to protect its rights prior to ABC's production. The ruling concluded that Hexagon's behavior suggested they would not object to ABC’s use of the character.