The Purple Jacaranda
| Company type | Television mini-series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Television drama series |
| Parent | Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
The Purple Jacaranda was a television mini-series from Australia that aired on the ABC network in 1964. This production was adapted from a novel written by Nancy Graham. The principal cast included James Condon, Margo Lee, Ronald Morse, Diana Perryman, Walter Sullivan, and John Unicomb.
The series made its debut in Sydney on 28 June 1964 and wrapped up with its seventh and final episode on 9 August.
Plot
Anne James is contacted by Colonel Thomson of "Security" (ASIO) and asked to visit her friend Darcy, who is now married to David Crawford. They reside at "Jacaranda House" in Sydney. Although initially reluctant, Anne consents to the request.
Background
During the early 1960s, ABC broadcast several historical mini-series such as Stormy Petrel (1960), The Outcasts (1961), The Patriots (1962), and The Hungry Ones (1963). In contrast, The Purple Jacaranda was set in contemporary times and originated from a 1958 radio serial adapted from a novel. Exterior scenes of the mansion were filmed in Melbourne.
Colin Dean remarked that historical dramas demand significant research and cannot be produced rapidly. He appreciated the move toward a present-day serial while still recognizing the value of historical narratives.
Desmonde Dowling, the set designer, constructed the main interior set—a private residence—at ABC Studios located in Gore Hill, Sydney. Exterior shots were filmed at Mosman's municipal library, with additional scenes captured at the Commonwealth Centre and various northern Sydney beaches.
Reception
Unlike the generally favorable reviews received by ABC’s historical mini-series, The Purple Jacaranda encountered mostly negative criticism.
The Tribune noted some promising moments in the pilot episode but criticized the stiff performances and production quality. While The Australian Women's Weekly praised aspects such as producer Colin Dean’s opening sequence and John Unicombe’s acting, it pointed out weaknesses including an implausible storyline and exaggerated acting.
The Canberra Times described it as "the unintentionally funniest thing the A.B.C. has ever done." Subsequently, the Tribune faulted its predictable thriller plotlines, mechanical acting style, and weak dialogue. The Canberra Times further commented that Richard Lane’s script might have been amusing if not undermined by what it called Dean’s "vulgar" direction.
In The Bulletin, Margo Lee’s character was criticized for deteriorating from intelligent to "simpering stupidity," reflecting poorly on the writing. The Women's Weekly later referred to the series as "hideous," while the Sunday edition of the Sydney Morning Herald labeled it "a sorry business." Writer Richard Lane himself admitted that the series was "disappointing."