A Local Boy
Australian TV play
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Plot
In Wales, a barrister, David Owen, attempts to become a member of Parliament. He comes up against the older member, Evan Lloyd.
Cast
- John Meillon as David Owen[9]
- June Thody as Prue Owen
- John Grey as Albert, the barman
- John Huson as Gerran Jones, a political agent
- Tom Farley as Evan Lloyd
- Ethel Lang as Mrs. Williams.
Production
It was Meillon's first television play since he returned from England after five years to appear in Rattle of a Simple Man.[10] He went on to appear in The Recruiting Officer for the ABC soon afterwards.[11] Thoday was an Adelaide actor who had returned to Australia after five years in England.[6]
The near-nude scene came when the character of Prue Owen tried to entice her husband back into bed. The camera focused on her bare back for a few seconds. "The scene is not designed for sensationalism," said director Henri Safran. "It wasn't put in there to shock the public. It is a very delicate scene and was handled tastefully. The play called for the scene and it was handled tastefully."[6]
"The scene was very well handled," said Thody. "There was nothing unpleasant about it."[6]
Reception
The Australian Woman's Weekly said they were "pleasantly surprised" by the quality.[12]
The Canberra Times said, "It was such a surprise this week to see a locally produced play that was worthy of the talents of the cast that I cannot remember when it last happened."[13]
The Sydney Morning Herald said it was made with "outstandingly high polish."[14]
