Based on the play by Patrick Hamilton which had been filmed by the ABC in 1957. This was one of two works for Shell Presents from imported actor John Glennon. He was one of a number of fly by nighters who came out here to tell us how it was done (eg Peter Cotes).
Premise
Two friends, Charles and Wyndham, murder someone for fun.
Cast
- John Glennon as Wyndham Brandon
- Paul Karo as Charles Granillo
- Walter Sullivan as Rupert
- Feli Wittman as Simone
- Tom Farley
- Graeme Jones
- Muriel Hearne
Production
The play was adapted by American actor-playwright John Glennon who also played one of the lead roles.
Why did he do it so soon after the ABC did? He probably just liked the play and had enough sway.
Sydney model Feil Wittman made her acting debut as Simone.
Glennon made several changes to the play including cutting the time down from two hours to an hour, shifting the action from 1929 to present day New York, and moving the local from one room to a four-room penthouse. "Whereas the original dealt with distance," said Glennon, "you can now eliminate long speeches and convey the same idea by gesture or by a bit of business magnified a hundred fold by that eagle eyed camera."
Rod Kinnear directed.
Reception
The Sydney Morning Herald critic praised "John Glennon' s clever, perceptive and highly mannered performance... and the tensions which producer Rod Kinnear was able to generate by some thoughtful camera work, and some very skilful organisation on a large and attractive set."
The Age TV credit praised the set, credit sequence and some of the acting but had reservations about some of the performances and the direction.
Listener in said it held him hypnotised towards the end.
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| SMH 14 Nov 1959 |
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| The Age 5 Nov 1959 |
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| The Age 29 Oct 1959 |
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| SMH 26 Oct 1959 |
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| SMH 16 Nov 1959 |
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| The Age 24 Sept 1959 |
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| The Biz 4 Nov 1959 |
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| The Age 29 Oct 1959 |
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| The Age 17 sept 1959 |
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| SMH 25 Oct 1959 |
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