Crime Passionel
| Company type | Television drama |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Founder | Royston Morley (director) |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Television play |
Crime Passionel is a 1959 Australian television drama adapted from a piece by Jean-Paul Sartre and directed by Royston Morley. The live broadcast took place in Sydney on 11 November 1959, with pre-recorded airings following in Brisbane on 17 November 1959 and in Melbourne on 10 February 1960. This 90-minute production was presented on ABC. During this period, original Australian TV drama productions were infrequent.
Plot
The narrative is set in the closing stages of World War II within the imaginary European nation of Illythia. It centers on Hugo, a young intellectual who serves as secretary to Hoederer, the leader of the local communist party. As German forces withdraw before the advancing Russians, Hugo plans to murder Hoederer to establish himself as a revolutionary icon. Important figures in the story include Hugo’s wife Jessica and fellow party member Olga.
Cast
- Brian James as Hoederer
- William Job as Hugo
- Jacqueline Kott as Olga
- John Fegan as Charles
- Tony Arpino as Franz
- Peter Williams as Louis
- James Elliott as Ivan
- Rosemary Webster as Hugo’s wife
- Don Crosby as Georges
- Julian Flett as Prince Paul
- Nat Levison as Slick
- Richard Parry as Karsky
- Bill Waters as Leon
Production
To take on the principal role, Brian James was brought in from Melbourne.
Reception
The Sydney Morning Herald commended the production for delivering an "engaging live performance" supported by a capable ensemble, though it remarked that the dense dialogue occasionally slowed the pacing.