Till Death Do Us Part (1959 film)
| Company type | Television drama |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Television play |
Till Death Do Us Part is a 1959 Australian television drama adapted from a stage play by Paolo Levi, which had previously been transformed into a radio production. The program was performed live in Melbourne and subsequently recorded for viewing in Sydney.
Premise
Set in Italy, the story follows Roberto, who intends to meet Grazia but receives a warning that she plans to murder him for his wealth. Grazia is married to a criminal who has designs on killing Roberto.
Cast
- Edward Brayshaw portraying Roberto
- Maree Tomasetti as Grazia
- Frank Gatliff in the role of the gangster
- Syd Conabere
- Ken Goodlet
- Edward Howell
- Keith Hudson
- Georgina Batterham
- Kurt Ludescher
- Robin Ramsay
Production
The play had earlier been produced under the title "Strange Meeting" for the UK's Armchair Theatre and was also adapted for Australian radio in 1958. The ABC television adaptation did not require actors to use Italian accents. Director Christopher Muir emphasized the narrative's intricate flashback sequences and visual storytelling potential, noting it as ABC’s inaugural contemporary European drama.
A significant scene was filmed on location at Sandringham Beach, featuring performances by Edward Brayshaw and Maree Tomasetti.
Reception
A reviewer from The Sydney Morning Herald commented:
The suspenseful premise with its ironic conclusion was undermined by ordinary writing and unsubtle acting. Enhanced script, direction, and performances might have strengthened the dramatic tension throughout the six episodes. Edward Brayshaw, playing the young lead, was considered the weakest element; his youthful sarcasm conflicted with the overly ornate romantic dialogue. Maree Tomasetti delivered an adequate portrayal of the enigmatic woman but lacked complexity. Frank Gatliff’s depiction of the cynical character relied on a Shakespearean approach that became repetitive. The confined set design restricted actors' movements and appeared poorly constructed.