Man of Destiny (film)
| Industry | Television drama |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1963 |
| Founder | Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
| Products | Television plays |
| Parent | Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
Man of Destiny is a 1963 Australian television drama helmed by director Christopher Muir, adapted from George Bernard Shaw's 1897 stage work Man of Destiny. The narrative explores the formative period of Napoleon Bonaparte's military career. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) produced a subsequent version in 1967.
Plot
Set in Tavazzano during May 1796, shortly after the Battle of Lodi, the story follows Napoleon as he encounters a young woman whom he suspects of being a spy, yet he finds himself drawn to her.
Cast
- Edward Hepple portraying Napoleon
- Felicity Young as the Lady
- Stewart Weller in the role of Guiseppe Grando
- David Mitchell playing the Lieutenant
Production
This production marked Edward Hepple's debut in Melbourne television, adding to his previous experience with TV plays such as The Square Ring and The Patriots. At the same time, Hepple was rehearsing Shaw's Arms and the Man and The No Hoper. He commented on difficulties arising from limited material regarding Napoleon’s early years.
Reception
The Sydney Morning Herald critiqued Christopher Muir's direction for lessening the play’s dramatic effect, describing Hepple’s interpretation as more cunning than rational. Overall, the production was viewed as proficient but failed to capture Shaw’s characteristic historical style.
1967 Production
ABC re-staged the play in 1967 as part of the series Love and War, broadcast on 13 September 1967 (and on 20 September in Brisbane). Directed by Patrick Barton and filmed in Melbourne, this rendition garnered mixed reviews. Filmink questioned the decision to remake the piece just four years after its original airing, noting it was one of Shaw’s lesser-known works.
Cast
- Brian Hannan as the young Napoleon
- Anne Charleston as the young Lady
- Dennis Miller cast as the lieutenant
- Stanley Page playing the innkeeper
Reception
Filmink praised Patrick Barton’s direction, stating that he handled it skillfully.
External links
- Australian television plays
- Films based on works by George Bernard Shaw
- Depictions of Napoleon on film
- Films set in France
- Films set in 1796
- 1962 Australian television plays
- 1962 in Australian television
- Films directed by Christopher Muir
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation television plays
- Television plays filmed in Melbourne
- Television plays directed by Chris Muir