Bertrand (film)
Bertrand is a 1964 Australian television film. It aired on non-commercial ABC in a 60-minute time-slot. It was written by Romilly Cavan, and produced by Ken Hannam. The film aired on 27 May 1964 in Sydney[2][3] 12 August 1964 in Melbourne[4] and on 2 September 1964 in Brisbane.[5]
| Bertrand | |
|---|---|
| Screenplay by | Romilly Cavan |
| Directed by | Ken Hannam |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Running time | 60 mins[1] |
| Production company | ABC |
| Release | |
| Original network | ABC |
| Original release | 27 May 1964 |
Plot
Set in Sydney, the title character of the drama was a stray cat, who brings together three people, a teenager (Michael Thomas), a recluse (Ronald Morse) and an ex-suffragette (Eve Wynne).
Cast
- Michael Thomas as Albert Watson
- Ronald Morse as Tracey
- Eve Wynne as Mrs Glover
Production
It was originally written for British television and set in Britain.
The setting was relocated to Australia for this version.[6] The designer was Geoffrey Wedlock. His neighbour, N Jenkins, owned a cat, Tim, who was cast in the lead role. "You'd have thought he'd been around TV studios all his life," said Mrs Jenkins. "He did everything... on cue."[5]
Reception
The Sydney Morning Herald called it over long "and tedious" and felt adapting the story to Australia was a mistake.[7]
References
- "TV Guide". Sydney Morning Herald. 25 May 1964. p. 15.
- ""Bertrand" on Channel 2". Sydney Morning Herald. 28 May 1964. p. 5.
- "The Sydney Morning Herald 18 May 1964, page Page 23". Sydney Morning Herald. 18 May 1964. p. 23.
- "TV Guide". The Age. 6 August 1964. p. 35.
- "Cat Star, 17, Likes Caviar". TV Times. 26 August 1964. p. 14.
- "TELEVISION AND RADIO TODAY". The Canberra Times. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 27 May 1964. p. 33. Retrieved 25 January 2020 – via Trove.
- ""Betrand" on Channel 2". Sydney Morning Herald. 28 March 1964. p. 9.