Mary Reibey (radio play)
| Genre | Drama play |
|---|---|
| Running time | 60 mins (8:00 pm – 9:00 pm) |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Language(s) | English |
| Starring | Catherine Duncan |
| Written by | Dymphna Cusack |
| Original release | March 16, 1947 |
Mary Reibey was a 1947 Australian radio drama by Dymphna Cusack about the convict Mary Reibey. It aired as an episode of Lux Radio Theatre.
The play is not to be confused with the Rex Rienits radio play about Mary Reibey, Fulfilment.
Premise
[edit]"In 1792, 15-year-old Mary Haydock was convicted and deported from England to Australia for having stolen a ride on a pony. Pardoned by Governor Phillip, she married a young officer, Thomas Reiby. Her remarkable business sense and forcetul personality brought her success in many buoiness ventures."[1]
Cast of 1948 production
[edit]- Catherine Duncan as Mary Reibey
- John Tate as Thomas Reibey
- Nancye Stewart as Carrie, the servant
- Reginald Collins as Simeon Lord
Production
[edit]The play was bought by Lux after having been intered in a 1946 radio playwriting competition. (Others included "A Golden Legacy" about William Farrer and "Castle Hill".) [2] It was presented to commemorate the eighth anniversary of Lux and producer Harry Dearth arranged for a special introduction from Hollywood by Ron Randell.[3][4]
Cusack had written a chapter on Reibey for the 1938 book The Peaceful Army.[5]
Reception
[edit]The Herald said star Catherine Duncan gave "one of the best performances of her radio career, with a deft interpretation of the clever ex-convict."[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "Radio Programmes Thriller, Opera, Dances at Week-end". Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate. No. 21, 980. New South Wales, Australia. 15 March 1947. p. 6. Retrieved 17 February 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Radio Roundup". The Sun. No. 11, 401. New South Wales, Australia. 8 August 1946. p. 6 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved 17 February 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "RADIO ROUND-UP". The Sun. No. 11580. New South Wales, Australia. 6 March 1947. p. 6 (LATE FINAL EXTRA). Retrieved 17 February 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "RADIO FEATURES FOR NEXT WEEK". The Advertiser (Adelaide). South Australia. 15 March 1947. p. 6. Retrieved 17 February 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Sydney Authoress In Adelaide". The Advertiser (Adelaide). South Australia. 25 January 1938. p. 8. Retrieved 17 February 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "TODAY'S INFORMATION GUIDE". The Herald. No. 21, 785. Victoria, Australia. 17 March 1947. p. 11. Retrieved 17 February 2024 – via National Library of Australia.