Night of the Ding-Dong
Night of the Ding-Dong is a 1954 theatrical work by Ralph Peterson, his sophomore play following The Square Ring. This comedic piece, situated in Adelaide shortly after the Crimean War, portrays residents alarmed by the threat of a Russian invasion, inspired by an actual historical event.
Plot
Set in 19th-century Adelaide, Colonial Administrator Colonel Beauchamp organizes a volunteer defense force amid concerns over a possible Russian attack. The idealistic educator Higsen, who harbors feelings for Beauchamp’s daughter, champions the cause of free education rather than military preparedness. When rumors circulate about a Russian gunboat nearby, Beauchamp exploits public anxiety to secure funding for a permanent army.
Background
Peterson discovered the story of this invasion scare through his grandmother and later conducted research to develop it into this play. He observed how Adelaide was gripped by widespread panic, leading to fortifications being established at Fort Denison, South Head, Fort Glandore, Fort Glenelg, and Fort Largs.
1958 British TV adaptation
In 1958, the play was transformed into a British television production as part of the Armchair Theatre series.
Cast
- David Courtney as Marcus Higson
- Hilton Edwards portraying Colonel Beauchamp
- John Kidd as Morgan Nash
- Andree Melly in the role of Louise Beauchamp
- Charles Morgan as Godwin Shedly
- Peter Myers playing Thaddeus Beauchamp
- Athene Seyler as Mrs. Beauchamp senior
- Ewen Solon as Harry Kelp
- Joyce Worsley portraying Victoria Beauchamp
Reception
According to Variety, the adaptation shifted from an initially serious and reflective drama into what was described as a "rather pointless farce."
1961 Australian TV adaptation
The play was also adapted for Australian television, broadcast live on 3 May 1961 via ABC’s Melbourne station and subsequently recorded for other ABC outlets. The duration ranged between 45 and 60 minutes.
Filmink magazine drew parallels between this production’s premise and the 1966 film The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming!
Premise
Set during the 1870s in Adelaide, the city is gripped by fears of a Russian invasion. Marcus Higson, a teacher wishing to wed Victoria Beauchamp, faces opposition from her father, Colonel Beauchamp. While Higson advocates for mandatory education, Beauchamp emphasizes defense priorities. Upon spotting a Russian vessel off South Australia’s coast, Higson enlists in the militia led by Beauchamp.
Cast
- Michael Duffield as Colonel Beauchamp
- Madeline Howell as Victoria Beauchamp
- David Mitchell as Marcus Higson
- Anne Charleston as Louise
- Campbell Copelin in the role of Mr Kelp
- Keith Hudson as Mr Smedly
- Charles Sinclair portraying Mr Nash
- Carole Potter as Abigail
- Roland Redshaw playing Captain Manley
- Stewart Weller as Jeffries
- Eric Conway as gardener
- Nevil Thurgood also as gardener
Production
This version was broadcast live from ABC’s Melbourne studios and marked Ann Charleston’s debut on television. Additionally, the play was adapted for ABC radio in 1961.
Reception
The Sydney Morning Herald remarked that although the performances were consistently competent, they did not entirely capture the play’s whimsical essence. The review emphasized that "William Sterling’s direction concentrated chiefly on enhancing the farcical elements."
See also
External links
- Television plays from 1961
- Australian television dramas
- Works authored by Ralph Peterson (writer)
- Australian films adapted from stage plays
- Original programming by Australian Broadcasting Corporation
- English-language television series from Australia
- Australian black-and-white TV productions
- Live broadcast television shows
- Plays first performed in 1959
- British television in 1958
- Australian television in 1961
- Australian plays from the 1950s
- Theatrical works set in colonial Australia
- Stage plays set in South Australia
- Australian stage plays transformed into television productions
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation original programming