Devlin (TV play)
| Company type | Television play |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television, Film |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Television drama |
Devlin is a 1971 Australian TV play, created as a pilot episode but ultimately broadcast as an independent drama.
Premise
Set in a coastal town, the story follows a priest who has just been freed from a Chinese prison and finds himself falling for a widow, all while haunted by memories of his incarceration.
Cast
- John Bell portraying Devlin
- Kerry McGuire in the role of Joan Hunter
- Tony Ward as Father Michael
- Kenneth Tsang playing Yang
Production
The project, adapted from a narrative by Tony Morphett, was directed by Tom Jeffrey who pitched it to ABC, which agreed to produce the play. Charles Russell, an American executive at ABC, advocated for a grittier storyline influenced by the true events involving the Berrigan brothers. Filming took place on location at Fingal Bay. Initially, Jeffrey was critical of John Bell's acting but acknowledged improvement after reviewing the footage. Devlin was among the earliest works financed by the Australian Film Development Corporation, representing a key investment in domestic productions.
Reception
While Jeffrey later expressed disappointment with the final product, calling it somewhat disorganized, he commended the soundtrack as "exceptionally impressive" and highlighted the high standard of cinematography. The production did not lead to a series.
The Age praised it as a "sensuous, poetic play," even suggesting it might be "the finest Australian TV drama yet produced."
During the creation of Seven Little Australians, Jeffrey encountered disagreements with Charles Russell, which ultimately resulted in his exit from ABC.