Misery Me
| Industry | Television broadcasting |
|---|---|
| Founded | July 1, 1932 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Television dramas, live television shows |
Misery Me is a 1959 Australian television drama broadcast on ABC. This satirical comedy, penned by British dramatist Dennis Cannan, was initially created as a stage production.
During this period, the majority of Australian television dramas were derived from international theatrical works. The experience gained from these adaptations enabled ABC to later produce dramas with a more distinctly Australian focus, such as Stormy Petrel.
The show first aired in Sydney on ABN-2 on 15 July 1959. A kinescope was recorded and subsequently transmitted in Melbourne on 5 August 1959 via ABV-2. Given the establishment of new ABC outlets in Adelaide and Brisbane that year, it remains uncertain whether the play was broadcast in those cities.
The preservation status of this production is currently unknown.
Plot
Set at a mountain resort, the story follows a young couple who enter into a suicide pact, which becomes complicated by the unexpected arrival of two of Cornelia's previous admirers.
Cast
- Diana Davidson portraying Cornelia
- Gordon Glenwright as Carlo Bambas
- Lionel Stevens in the role of Julius Ring
- Barbara Eather
- John Huson
- Don Pascoe
- Hugh Stewart
Production
The play debuted on stage in 1955 and was adapted for BBC television that same year.
Reception
Director Alan Burke remarked that the production achieved "tiny ratings," a common occurrence for ABC's offerings at that time.
The Sydney Morning Herald described the blend of political satire and romantic farce as "oddly uneven," noting that the one-hour duration restricted character and plot development. Nevertheless, it acknowledged that moments featuring "attractive acting" paired with "flexible production" resulted in "charming and amusing" sequences.
See also
- Blue Murder
- Black Limelight
- Bodgie
- List of live television plays broadcast on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1950s)