Heart Attack (1960 film)
| Company type | Television drama |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | 1960 |
| Founder | George F. Kerr |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Television drama |
Heart Attack is a 1960 Australian TV drama penned by George F. Kerr. Initially performed and transmitted live in Melbourne, it was subsequently recorded and broadcast in Sydney. The production faced significant negative reviews from critics. It was one of several suspense dramas created during the formative years of Australian television.
Additionally, the play was transformed into a radio adaptation with a duration of 75 minutes.
Plot
Dr. Brian Wynter's professional standing becomes threatened by Pearce, a blackmailer who uncovers Wynter's premarital relationship and demands payment to keep it hidden from his wife, Judith. When the initial bribes fail to deter Pearce, Wynter decides to eliminate him.
Cast
- John Morgan portraying Dr. Wynter
- Beverley Phillips as Judith
- Edward Brayshaw in the role of Pearce
- Wynn Roberts as Dr. Rutherford
- Marcella Burgoyne playing Clare Mackay
- Bruce Archer
- Carol Armstrong
- June Brunelle
- Campbell Copelin
- Edward Howell
- Kendrick Hudson
- Carole Potter
Production
Edward Howell appeared in his twentieth live television drama with this production, having previously acted in six such plays in Sydney before relocating to Melbourne to star in Black Chiffon. Shortly after filming, he underwent surgery.
Reception
The Age condemned the play as having "one of the weakest storylines ever presented on Melbourne TV," labeling it "65 minutes of confusing nonsense," and recommended that ABC prioritize imported scripts instead. Later commentary from the same publication claimed it "set Australian television drama back several years" and declared it the poorest Australian production of the year.
The Sydney Morning Herald described it as a "standard medical-domestic drama" with a "worn-out professional execution" lacking innovation, noting that while the lead actors performed adequately, their portrayals lacked passion.
See also
References