An Enemy of the People (1958 film)

An Enemy of the People (1958 TV play)

Company type	Television drama
Industry	Television
Founded	1958
Headquarters	Australia
Products	Live television drama
Parent	Australian Broadcasting Corporation

An Enemy of the People is a 1958 Australian television drama featuring James Condon, adapted from Henrik Ibsen's 1882 stage work and transposed to a modern-day Australian context. The production was performed live on ABC.

Plot

Set in the coastal Queensland town of Jacaranda, the story revolves around the impending opening of a new mineral water resort. Dr. Stockman uncovers that pollution from a nearby tannery is contaminating the water supply. Efforts to implement an expensive remedy are met with resistance from local residents, including the mayor—who is also his brother—the editor of the local newspaper, and the tannery proprietor. His wife Kate and daughter Jan endure social pressures, leading Jan to relinquish her teaching job.

Cast

• James Condon as Dr. Stockman
• Eleanor Elliott as Jan Stockman
• Aileen Britton as Kate Stockman
• Moray Powell
• Lou Vernon

Production

The adaptation into a Queensland setting was undertaken by English writer George F. Kerr, who had moved to Australia. Director Royston Morley brought experience from previous Ibsen adaptations on British television.

This play was part of a series of live Sunday evening dramas broadcast on ABV-2 Melbourne, serving as the season finale with Enemy of the People. Other productions in this lineup included The Governess, The Last Call, The Rose without a Thorn, The Lark, and Citizen of Westminster.

Desmonde Dowling fulfilled the role of designer for the production.

Reception

According to Filmink, Kerr’s adaptation did not completely integrate Australian elements into the original script.

See also

• List of live television plays broadcast on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1950s)

External links

• An Enemy of the People at AustLit