Corruption in the Palace of Justice

Corruption in the Palace of Justice

Company type	Television film
Industry	Television, Drama
Founded	1964
Founder	Oscar Whitbread (producer), Robert Rietti (adapter)
Headquarters	Melbourne , Australia
Products	Television drama film

Corruption in the Palace of Justice is a 1964 Australian TV movie produced by Oscar Whitbread, adapted by Robert Rietti from an Italian theatrical work authored by Ugo Betti. This one-hour drama was broadcast on the non-commercial Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) and created in Melbourne. The cast included Michael Duffield, Carl Bleazby, and Terry Norris. A copy of the script is preserved at the National Archives of Australia.

The narrative unfolds in an unnamed nation, focusing on a judicial body under investigation where Judge Cust becomes entangled with a criminal figure, thereby undermining the integrity of the legal system. The blame is then shifted onto the innocent court leader, President Vanan.

Plot

In an unspecified city, a court undergoes investigation due to Judge Cust's involvement in corruption, which threatens the judicial process. He attempts to divert suspicion onto President Vanan, the elderly head judge who maintains his innocence.

Cast

• Terry Norris portraying Judge Cust
• Michael Duffield as Chief Judge Cross
• Wynn Roberts in the role of Counsellor Enzi
• Carl Bleazby playing President Vanan
• Fay Kelton as Elena
• George Whaley
• Kendrick Hudson
• Sydney Conabere
• Bruce Barry
• Horst Bergfreid
• Bill Bennett
• Marion Edward

Production

The production took place at ABC Studios located in Ripponlea, Melbourne, with Gunars Jurgana responsible for the set design.

Reception

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, it was "the most thought-provoking hour of TV theatre seen for some time," praising consistently strong performances and a set design that effectively contrasted the cold external environment with intense internal drama.

The Canberra Times commended the play as an excellent platform for Terry Norris's abilities but commented on the limited use of actors Wynn Roberts and Michael Duffield.

See also

• Smiling Maniacs (1975)