Blue Murder (1959 film)
| Company type | Television play |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television drama |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
Blue Murder represents an Australian live television drama that was transmitted on ABC in 1959. The program was performed live in Sydney on 2 December 1959, with a kinescope recording created for subsequent broadcast in Melbourne. It remains uncertain whether this recording was ever aired on ABC's Adelaide and Brisbane outlets or if the kinescope still survives. Filmink magazine characterized the production as potentially "great, campy fun." This play was part of a series of thriller productions featured during the early period of Australian television.
Premise
Set on Sydney’s north shore, the narrative revolves around Thelma Lane-Forest, an ageing actress who is murdered by her resentful and untalented son, Ricky. The plot further involves Philip, a theatre critic and brother to Ricky’s girlfriend Jeanette, along with a journalist named Lundy, as they become entangled in the ensuing events.
Cast
- Ric Hutton portraying Ricky Lane-Forest
- Nancye Stewart as Thelma Lane-Forest
- Derani Scarr in the role of Jeanette Gage
- Colin Croft as Philip Gage
- Hugh Stewart playing Martin Johnson
- Richard Davies as Lundy
Reception
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, while the storyline was considered somewhat illogical, it was acknowledged as a "neatly constructed thriller, very competently produced," with writing and production quality polished enough to compensate for its narrative inconsistencies. The play was recognized for its craftsmanship, professionalism, and ability to engage viewers at its intended level.
In addition, the story was adapted into a radio drama that aired in 1960.
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- 1959 television plays
- 1959 Australian television plays
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation original programming
- Australian English-language television shows
- Black-and-white Australian television shows
- Australian live television shows
- Works by George F. Kerr
- Television plays directed by Raymond Menmuir
- Television plays filmed in Sydney
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation television plays