The Long Sunset
The Long Sunset is a 1963 Australian television film adapted from a play by R.C. Sheriff, directed by Colin Dean and featuring John Bell in the cast. This production was performed live and recorded by the ABC in Sydney.
Previously, the BBC had produced an adaptation of the same play in 1958.
Plot
The narrative is set in the waning days of Roman Britain and centers on Julian Severus, residing near Canterbury, who discovers that Roman forces are retreating from Britain.
Cast
- Henry Gilbert as Julian Severus
- Lynne Murphy as Serena Severus
- James Condon as Arthur, the leader of a group of Britons
- John Bell portraying Otho, Julian's son
- Sandra Gleeson as Paula
- Tim Cohen as Gawaine
- Guy le Claire as Lugar
- Ronald Morse as Portius
- Richard Parry as Lucian
- John Faassen as Marcus
Production
This Sydney-based production featured Douglas Smith as the designer. Director Colin Dean remarked on the play’s contemporary significance, drawing parallels between Alaric’s assault on Rome and current geopolitical events.
Lynne Murphy and Henry Gilbert had previously appeared together as a married couple in The Outcasts, while John Bell was known for his role in Ballad of One Gun. This project marked Sandra Gleeson’s first appearance on television.
Aside from its television airing, the play was also transmitted on Australian radio in 1963.
Reception
A critic from the Sydney Morning Herald observed that the production exhibited a "gingerly stiffness of dialogue and manner," characteristic of period dramas, which underscored the somewhat superficial nature of the characters. Despite some inventive visual direction by Colin Dean, the portrayal emphasized their lack of realism. The Roman characters expressed either hollow nobility or anxiety, whereas their British counterparts came across as irritable and uninspiring. Gilbert was described as partaking in a "slow and stately pageant," Condon appeared "conscientiously surly," and both Bell and Faassen had limited opportunities to showcase their talents. The review suggested that additional rehearsal might have enhanced character depth; nonetheless, the primary attraction remained its historical romanticism.
The Age commended Gilbert’s performance as "most convincing," noting an impressive start to the play which later weakened during scenes involving Roman settlers but concluded with a "compelling marshalling of dramatics."
According to Filmink, the production offered "extremely watchable entertainment," praised its uniqueness as an Australian depiction of Ancient Rome, and recommended it especially to fans of John Bell.