Reflections in Dark Glasses
Reflections in Dark Glasses is a 1960 Australian television drama featured within the Shell Presents series, which showcased standalone plays on a monthly basis. Authored by James Workman, a writer based in Sydney, this production stands as an early example of television drama penned by an Australian writer. The live broadcast took place in Sydney on 6 February 1960, with a subsequent recording made available for viewers in Melbourne.
In contrast to many Australian TV shows from the early 1960s, this drama has been preserved as a kinescope copy and is currently held by the National Film and Sound Archive.
Critics lauded the program for its powerful emotional resonance and gripping intensity. Filmink referred to it as "a minor gem... visceral, dark, intense – and extremely moving," and also complimented the unique design of its promotional poster.
Plot
The story follows a troubled woman who is desperately searching for her young son, convinced that her husband has taken him away. When she attempts to collect him from school, he is nowhere to be found, leading her to confront her mother-in-law with scissors in hand.
Cast
- Muriel Steinbeck
- James Condon portraying the husband
- Ruth Cracknell as the psychiatrist
- Winifred Green playing the mother-in-law
- Eve Hardwicke as a schoolteacher
- Margaret Moore
Production
The lead role was performed by Muriel Steinbeck, who had previously appeared in Autumn Affair, recognized as Australia's inaugural television soap opera. Her co-star James Condon later took on a leading part in the soap opera The Story of Peter Grey. Initially aired live in Sydney, the drama was subsequently transmitted to Melbourne through early videotape technology and possibly broadcast in Perth as well.
Producer Brett Porter described the production as "a most imaginative TV production," emphasizing its innovative use of lighting, camera techniques, and sound design. He mentioned that ATN-7 had been seeking a compelling script tailored for Steinbeck for some time. This play marked the fourth installment of Shell Presents written by an Australian author featuring a local setting; although Workman was born in Scotland, he resided in Australia.
Reception
A reviewer from the Sydney Morning Herald commended the drama as a "cleverly-constructed psychological thriller," praising its "imaginative" direction and performances. Steinbeck’s portrayal was compared to roles typically associated with Bette Davis or Barbara Stanwyck, noted for its sophistication and finesse. Director David Cahill’s lighting choices were highlighted for enhancing the psychological atmosphere. While some questioned aspects of the play’s "psychological truth" and conclusion, it successfully maintained suspense throughout.
Val Marshall, writing for the Sunday edition, described it as "the finest all-Australian production yet done in the Shell Presents series," applauding its writing, acting quality, camera work, and musical score as being of international standard.
Filmink magazine emphasized Steinbeck’s remarkable performance in this original Australian television play centered on a character experiencing a mental collapse over her missing child. The positive reviews have led to suggestions for improved online accessibility via the National Film and Sound Archive.