White Coolies
1954 memoir by Betty Jeffrey
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
White Coolies is a 1954 memoir by Australian nurse Betty Jeffrey about her experiences in World War Two.[1] This included surviving the sinking of the Vyner Brook, escaping a massacre, and being in a camp on Sumatra.[2]
| |
| Author | Betty Jeffrey |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | World War Two |
| Genre | memoir |
| Publisher | Angus & Robertson |
Publication date | 1954 |
| Publication place | Australia |
Background
It was based on a diary she secretly kept in the camp.[3]
Reception
The book was a best seller, selling more than 70,000 copies in Australia.[4]
The book was adapted into a hugely successful radio serial.
Radio serial
| Running time | 30 mins |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Starring | Ruth Cracknell June Salter Margaret Christensen Madge Ryan Joan Lander Diana Perryman |
| Written by | Gwen Friend |
| Produced by | Fifi Banvard |
| Original release | 9 October 1955 – 1956 |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 52 |
The book was adapted into a 1955 radio serial.[5]
It was one of the most acclaimed Australian radio serials of all time. There was a mostly female cast and a female writer and director, which was rare for the time.[6]
Cast
- Ruth Cracknell as Betty Jeffrey
- June Salter as Iole Harper[7]
- Margaret Christensen as Sister Delforce
- Madge Ryan as Matron Paschke
- Joan Lander as Sister Woodbridge
- Diana Perryman
