Rope is a 1957 Australian television film based on the play Rope by Patrick Hamilton. It was presented in real time.[3][4]
| Rope | |
|---|---|
 Ad from SMH 21 Aug 1957 | |
| Genre | thriller |
| Based on | Rope (play) 1927 play by Patrick Hamilton |
| Directed by | William Sterling |
| Starring | Bruce Beeby Roger Climpson June Collis |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Producer | William Sterling |
| Running time | 70 minutes |
| Production company | ABC |
| Original release | |
| Network | ABC |
| Release | 21 August 1957 (Sydney, live)[1] |
| Release | 20 September 1957 (Melbourne, tape)[2] |
Broadcast live in Sydney, it was kinescoped/telerecorded for showing in Melbourne (these were the only Australian cities with TV at the time). Based on the play by Patrick Hamilton, it aired in a 70-minute time-slot on non-commercial ABC.
It was one of several Patrick Hamilton adaptations done on Australian television.[5] It was also arguably one of the first depictions of queer characters on Australian television.[6] Murder mysteries were popular subjects for Australian television plays.[7]
Plot
editTwo friends, Granello and Brandon, commit murder for the thrill of it. They hide the body in their apartment and invite the family and friends of their victim over for a party.
Cast
edit- John Meillon
- Bruce Beeby
- Don Pascoe
- Roger Climpson
- June Collis
- Tom Farley
- Keith Jervis
Production
editRehearsals started in July 1957. Star John Meillon just finished a long run on stage in The Reluctant Debutante. It was recorded in Sydney and broadcast live. A tape recording was later broadcast in Melbourne.[8] It was Meillon's first TV play.[9]
Reception
editAccording to an article on 19 September 1957 edition of The Age, the broadcast was well received by viewers during its Sydney telecast, and producer Sterling was happy with the quality of the kinescope/telerecording.[10]
1959 Australian TV version
editThe play was filmed again for Australian TV in 1959, this time shot in Melbourne for ATN Channel 7.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "All the TV Programmers". ABC Weekly. 21 August 1957. p. 34.
- ^ "TV Guide". The Age. 19 September 1957.
- ^ "Talk about". ABC Weekly. 21 August 1957. p. 46.
- ^ "Television news". Sydney Morning Herald. 7 August 1957. p. 7.
- ^ Vagg, Stephen (20 March 2021). "Forgotten Australian TV Plays: Reflections in Dark Glasses". Filmink. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
- ^ Vagg, Stephen (14 June 2021). "Forgotten Australian TV Plays: A Season in Hell". Filmink.
- ^ Vagg, Stephen (27 April 2021). "Forgotten Australian TV Plays: The Big Killing". Filmink. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
- ^ "TV news". Sydney Morning Herald. 31 July 1957. p. 10.
- ^ "Actor in Demand is a Swimmer". The Age. 28 November 1957.
- ^ "Murder Classic, Jacobs Story ABV-2 Drama". The Age. 19 September 1957. p. 11.
External links
edit- Rope on IMDb
- Copy of set design at Tribute Site for ABC Gore Hill
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