The Lark (1958 film)

The Lark

Company type	Television film
Industry	Television drama
Founded	1958
Headquarters	Melbourne , Australia
Key people	William Sterling (director), Jon Peters (designer), Beverley Dunn (lead actress)
Products	Television adaptation of Jean Anouilh's play The Lark

The Lark is a 1958 Australian television adaptation of Jean Anouilh's 1952 theatrical work. As reported by The Age, it signified "a fresh chapter in Melbourne's television drama production."

Plot

During the trial of Joan of Arc, flashbacks illustrate her defiance against English forces.

Cast

• Beverley Dunn portraying Joan of Arc
• Frank Gatliff as Cauchon
• Christopher Hill in the role of Warwick
• Robert Peach playing the Inquisitor
• Jeffrey Hodgson as the Dauphin
• John Morgan as the Promoter
• Moira Carleton depicting Joan's mother
• Mary Ward as Queen Yolande, mother-in-law to the Dauphin
• Laura Jane Casson in the role of Agnès Sorel, mistress to the Dauphin
• Carole Potter portraying the little Queen, spouse of the Dauphin
• Keith Hudson as Ladvenu
• Ilka Brand as the Dauphin's page
• Brin Newton-John in the role of Archbishop of Rheims
• John Royle serving as narrator
• Henry Cuthbertson providing the voice of the Archangel

Production

This adaptation was inspired by a 1955 theatrical staging featuring Leo McKern and Dorothy Tutin. Director William Sterling dedicated several months to preparing this version, promising "provocative elements." The filming took place in Melbourne’s Studio 32, which was the largest studio in the city at that time. The production involved 24 actors and utilized seven different sets that filled the entire 60 by 80 feet studio space. Designer Jon Peters undertook historical research to guarantee accuracy in both set design and costumes.

Beverley Dunn reprised her role as Joan, having previously performed it at Melbourne Little Theatre in 1956. She completed an extensive 55 hours of rehearsal and later portrayed Joan on BBC radio in 1961.

The Lark was broadcast live on ABV-2 Melbourne during Sunday evenings and formed part of a series that included titles such as The Governess, The Last Call, The Rose without a Thorn, Citizen of Westminster, and Enemy of the People.

Reception

The Melbourne live broadcast was recorded and subsequently screened at a meeting of the Australian Television Society, which William Sterling attended. The society members commended Beverly Dunn’s performance, although some critics felt that the concluding burning scene lacked authenticity. Sterling highlighted that certain lighting techniques were pioneering for Australian television and expressed overall satisfaction with the production, acknowledging minor imperfections unlikely to be noticed by most viewers.

External links

• The Lark at IMDb