Marriage Lines (film)
| Industry | Broadcasting |
|---|---|
| Founded | July 1, 1932 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Television programs, radio programs |
| Website | www |
Marriage Lines is a 1962 Australian television drama with comedic elements, directed by Christopher Muir and produced by the Australian Broadcasting Commission for ABC TV. This 60-minute program premiered in Melbourne on 3 October 1962, followed by a Sydney broadcast on 26 November 1962.
Plot
After experiencing three unsuccessful marriages, Lysette returns to London to visit her cousin Virgilia, who is married to Felix Pilgrim, a publisher managing a company inherited from Virgilia’s father. Lysette initiates an affair with Felix, while Robbie Lambert contests Felix’s intention to sell his theatre.
Cast
- Walter Sullivan portraying Felix Pilgrim
- Patricia Kennedy as Virgilia Pilgrim
- Mary Ward in the role of Lysette Eggerton
- Moira Carleton as Chrissie, the Pilgrims’ housemaid
- Beverley Dunn playing Peggy, Felix’s secretary
- Joy Mitchell as Daphne
- Campbell Copelin as Robbie Lambert
- Vernon Yorke in the role of an American
- Kurt Ludescher and Ray Angel as waiters
- Roland Heimans as the office boy
Production
Marriage Lines was first broadcast on Australian radio in 1961 and had previously been adapted for television by the BBC that same year. The ABC likely chose this play due to Clemence Dane’s esteemed reputation and the BBC’s prior production, factors that boosted its commercial appeal.
For the Melbourne shoot, Walter Sullivan traveled specifically for the role, reflecting a significant production commitment. Beverly Dunn returned to television drama following her repatriation to Australia. Patricia Kennedy participated courtesy of Emerald Hill Theatre, Melbourne. The production design was crafted by Cas Van Puflen.
Reception
A television reviewer from The Australian Women's Weekly described the play as "a half-and-half job," commending Christopher Muir’s refined direction but condemning the script as "woeful," citing outdated dialogue and overly melodramatic content. The critic remarked that ABC’s branding of the show as a "sophisticated comedy" was misleading, ultimately calling it "a sheer waste of good production and a goodish cast."
The publication Filmink deemed it "a dreadful play and agonising to watch," emphasizing the absence of cleverness, depth, or suspense despite an accomplished ensemble. The critique highlighted stereotypical upper-class conversations and situations lacking engaging drama or humor, leaving performers appearing uncomfortable and the narrative unresolved.