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.
| 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 |
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
editThe 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 anniversay 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
editThe 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.