The Right Thing (film)
| Company type | Television play |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Television drama |
| Parent | Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
The Right Thing is a 1963 Australian comedic television play produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. During a period when Australian TV drama was uncommon, this work represented a notable advancement in domestic production and international partnership.
Plot
Set in Sydney, the narrative centers on the Hamlin family as they host an engagement celebration for their eldest daughter, Elena, during which they meet J.G., an engaging young man from Spain.
Cast
- Lola Brooks portraying Elena
- Brigid Lenihan as Vera Hamlin
- Alister Smart in the role of JG
- Grant Taylor as Clarrie Hamlin
- David Yorston
- Noeline Brown playing Shirley
- Benita Collings as Jean
Production
The script was crafted by Australian expatriate Raymond Bowers and directed by Ray Menmuir, who had recently returned from London. The concept originated at a 1963 meeting in London and was commissioned by Associated Rediffusion. This production launched a series of collaborative efforts and exchange initiatives between the ABC and British television networks, fostering cross-border cooperation.
Filming occurred at prominent Sydney sites such as the North Shore, Cahill Expressway, Longreef Beach, and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The program was telerecorded for Associated-Rediffusion’s London broadcast, exemplifying early international content sharing. Alister Smart, a member of the cast, had also recently come back from England, highlighting the project's international talent exchange.
Reception
American producer and writer Rod Serling expressed dissatisfaction with the script but commended the performances.
A television critic from the Sydney Morning Herald remarked on the "refinement in both filming and script" of The Right Thing, suggesting that its distinctly Australian comedic elements might resonate more with overseas audiences than local ones, though it was skillfully executed.
The Sunday edition of the Sydney Morning Herald described it as "one of the most disappointing offerings from the ABC this season... a tedious and sluggish 90 minutes... partially salvaged by the excellent acting of its cast."
The Bulletin characterized the characters as reminiscent of "pre-1939 archetypes" placed in modern settings, while praising both the actors’ performances and director Raymond Menmuir’s skillful handling of an indoor-outdoor production timed for an upcoming English television airing.