Thunder on Sycamore Street
| Industry | Television broadcasting |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
Thunder on Sycamore Street is a 1960 Australian TV drama directed by David Cahill, adapted from a screenplay written by Reginald Rose. It was broadcast on 23 July 1960 in both Melbourne and Sydney.
Following his role in The Grey Nurse Said Nothing featured in General Motors Hour, Frank Waters also took part in this production.
Plot
The story centers on the inhabitants of Sycamore Street, whose attitudes turn hostile after discovering that their new neighbour has a history of criminal activity.
Cast
- Frank Waters as Joseph Blake
- Joe McCormick
- Muriel Steinbeck
- John Brunskill
- Richard Davies portraying the man guided by conscience
- James Fallows
- Brett Hart
- Benita Harvey
- Mary Hoskin
- Therese Macrae
- Verity Marina
- Terry McDermott
- Ida Newton
- Moya O'Sullivan
- Max Osbiston
- Ivor Bromley
Production
The play was produced in ATN 7 Studio "A" at Television Centre, Epping, recognized as Australia's largest television production studio at the time. The principal set, spanning 2,000 square feet, represented the front of three identical houses and was the most extensive single set constructed for live Australian television to date. An extra 600 square feet was designated for street scenes and camera operations, while a secondary, simpler set of 500 square feet was utilized for interior sequences.
This project marked one of the last performances by Muriel Steinbeck.
Previously, the play had been adapted for Australian radio in 1959.
Reception
A television reviewer from the Sydney Morning Herald remarked that the production offered viewers substantial material for contemplation. The critique acknowledged its careful execution despite some evident budgetary constraints. Frank Waters was highlighted as delivering a performance that notably surpassed those of his largely unremarkable co-stars.