Thunder on Sycamore Street
Thunder on Sycamore Street is a 1960 Australian television play directed by David Cahill. It was based on a script by Reginald Rose. Australian TV drama was relatively rare at the time.[1]
"Thunder on Sycamore Street" | |
---|---|
The General Motors Hour episode | |
Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 3 |
Directed by | David Cahill |
Teleplay by | Reginald Rose |
Original air date | 23 July 1960 |
Running time | 60 mins |
Guest appearance(s) | |
Frank Waters | |
It followed production of The Grey Nurse Said Nothing as part of General Motors Hour.[2]
Plot
The residents of Sycamore Street are upset when they discover a new neighbour has served a prison sentence.
Cast
- Frank Waters as Joseph Blake
- Ivor Bromley
- John Brunskill
- Richard Davies
- James Fallows
- Brett Hart
- Benita Harvey
- Mary Hoskin
- Therese Macrae
- Verity Marina
- Joe McCormick
- Terry McDermott
- Ida Newton
- Moya O'Sullivan
- Max Osbiston
- Muriel Steinbeck
Production
The drama was produced in ATN 7 Studio "A" at its Television Centre, Epping. This studio is the largest production studio for TV in Australia. The major set, representing the exteriors of three homes, covered 2,000 square feet. It was the largest single set ever installed at the ATN studios, and ATN production executives said it was the biggest single set ever made for Australian "live" TV. A further 600 feet was allowed for the roadway and for camera movement. As all three houses in which the action of the play was set were identical, a second basic set was used. This covered about 500 additional feet of studio space.[3]
It was one of the last appearances of Muriel Steinbeck.[4]
Reception
The TV critic for the Sydney Morning Herald said the production "gave audiences something to think about" and was "careful enough, although evidences of pinch-pennyism were apparent... Frank Waters... stood head and shoulders over a comparatively indifferent cast."[5]
References
- Vagg, Stephen (18 February 2019). "60 Australian TV Plays of the 1950s & '60s". Filmink.
- "New Dramas on Channel Seven". 14 June 1960. p. 18.
- "Australian Cast In Drama Picture". Sydney Morning Herald. 18 July 1960. p. 13.
- Vagg, Stephen (25 August 2019). "Unsung Aussie Actors – Muriel Steinbeck". Filmink.
- "Drama on ATN 7". Sydney Morning Herald. 25 July 1960. p. 6.
External links