List of 1950s Australian television one-offs (incomplete list)
by Thor-Delta | created - 03 Jan 2014 | updated - 24 Sep 2015 | PublicThe following is an incomplete list of Australian-produced television one-offs of the 1950s. These range from variety specials, to music recitals, to local drama and comedy, to adaptations of foreign plays, and other stuff.
The list is incomplete because some one-offs of the period currently do not have pages on IMDb. The list will be expanded as more of these one-offs are listed on IMDb.
Most of what is on the list was broadcast by non-commercial ABC.
Many of the one-offs on this list were kinescoped. "Kinescope recording" was an early method to record live television. However, in many cases it is unknown if the kinescope still exists.
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1. The Twelve Pound Look (1956 TV Movie)
30 min | Drama
A wealthy man who is about to be knighted hires a typist to help him write responses to letters of congratulation. She turns out to be his first wife, who left him years ago.
Director: Paul O'Loughlin | Stars: Margo Lee, Alexander Archdale, Joan Lord, John Brunskill
This was the very first example of drama produced for Australian television. It was an adaptation of an old British play.
2. This Was My Christmas (1956 TV Short)
20 min | Short
In this 20-minute live presentation, different ways of celebrating Christmas were looked at, including interviews with people of other countries.
Stars: Bill Eldridge, James Stuckey
3. This Year Next Year (1956 TV Special)
30 min | Short, Talk-Show
A discussion between Professor Zelman Cowan, Dr. W.L. Carrington and Eric Westbrook, which was broadcast live.
Stars: W.L. Carrington, Zelman Cowen, Eric Westbrook
4. Seeing Stars (1956 TV Special)
25 min | Music
Described as a live variety TV broadcast, including radio personalities Peggy Brooks and Kenrick Hudson, as well as visiting US pianist Joe "Fingers" Carr.
Stars: Peggy Brooks, Joe Carr, Kenrick Hudson, Arthur Young
5. The Telephone (1956 TV Movie)
25 min | Musical
A live television opera.
Stars: Kevin Mills, Marie Tysoe
6. Fashion Parade (1957 TV Movie)
30 min
A fashion parade with models.
Stars: Diana Langley, Marianne Liedloff, Joan Melwit, Lois Orders
7. The Skiffle Gang with Graeme Bell (1957 TV Short)
20 min | Short, Music
A music presentation with Graeme Bell's skiffle group which aired in a 20-minute time-slot.
Stars: George Assang, Graeme Bell, Johnny Edgecombe, Geoff Kitchen
8. Penalty Box (1957 TV Special)
30 min | Short, Game-Show
If contestants guessed wrong, they could find themselves having a can of water poured on them.
Star: Geoff Corke
9. Tomorrow's Child (1957 TV Movie)
66 min | Comedy
Comedy play set in a police state.
Director: Raymond Menmuir | Stars: Queenie Ashton, Bernard Barber, Lola Brooks, James Condon
10. Rope (1957 TV Movie)
70 min | Drama
Two young men strangle their "inferior" classmate, hide his body in their apartment, and invite his friends and family to a dinner party as a means to challenge the "perfection" of their crime.
Director: William Sterling | Stars: Bruce Beeby, Roger Climpson, June Collis, Tom Farley
11. Leontyne Price Recital (1957 TV Movie)
35 min | Music
A live recital by soprano Leontyne Price which aired in a 35-minute time-slot, televised direct from Sydney Town Hall.
Star: Leontyne Price
12. In the Zone (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Drama
Director: William Sterling | Stars: Keith Alexander, Bruce Beeby, John Bluthal, Richard Meikle
13. Ending It (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Drama
Director: William Sterling | Stars: Bruce Beeby, Madi Hedd, Keith Alexander
14. Dark Brown (1957 TV Movie)
45 min | Drama
A woman suspects her husband intends to kill her.
Director: Christopher Muir | Stars: Walter Brown, Agnes Dobson, Laura James, Margaret Cruickshank
15. A Phoenix Too Frequent (1957 TV Movie)
60 min | Comedy
A grieving widow in Ancient Greece gradually finds the attractions of a young soldier outweighs her determination to join her husband in the underworld.
Director: Paul O'Loughlin | Stars: Dinah Shearing, James Condon, Audrey Teesdale
16. Roundabout (I) (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Drama
A woman suspects her husband of having an affair with another woman.
Director: Bill Eldridge | Stars: Moira Carleton, Syd Conabere, Beverley Dunn, Patrick Horgan
17. Schubert (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Music
A presentation of music composed by Schubert, performed by baritone Peter Campbell, pianist Max Olding, and soprano Anita Kelly.
Stars: Peter Campbell, Anita Kelly, Max Olding
18. Music Hall (1957 TV Special)
30 min | Music
A live variety show special.
Stars: Colin Crane, Judy Hansen, Myrtle Roberts, Charles Skase
19. The Proposal (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Comedy
Director: Christopher Muir | Stars: Paul Bacon, Bettine Kauffmann, Douglas Kelly
20. Three Cornered Moon (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Comedy
On the Duke of Mall's yacht, Lenora, the Duke's wife, leaves her philandering husband. The Duke seeks solace in Lenora's identical twin sister in Paris. This turns out to be Lenora in disguise. The Duke falls in love with his wife again.
Director: Paul O'Loughlin | Stars: Margo Lee, James Condon
21. Romantic Mood (1957 TV Short)
15 min | Short, Music
A live music presentation with singer Ormonde Douglas, who was accompanied by pianist Arthur Young.
Stars: Ormonde Douglas, Arthur Young
22. Odnoposoff Recital (1957 TV Short)
20 min | Short, Music
A live 20-minute recital (broadcast from 8:30PM to 8:50PM), featuring violinist Ricardo Odnoposoff.
Star: Ricardo Odnoposoff
23. Chequers Night Club (1957 TV Movie)
60 min
A live presentation from the now-defunct Chequers Nightclub.
Stars: Michael Charlton, Joe Martin, Red Moore
24. Holiday in Biarritz (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Drama
A French stationmaster wants to spend a holiday at Biarritz.
Director: Eric McCleery | Stars: Peter O'Shaughnessy, Moira Carleton, Neil Fitzpatrick
25. Sunday Costs Five Pesos (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Comedy
A comedy set in a town in northern Mexico.
Director: Paul O'Loughlin | Stars: Joan Landor, Guy Le Claire, Brenda Senders, Audrey Teesdale
26. Fair Passenger (1957 TV Movie)
60 min | Drama
A drama of mixed romances.
Director: Bill Eldridge | Stars: Philip Stainton, Nicolette Bernard, Beverley Dunn, Marcia Hart
27. The Right Person (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Drama
Director: Eric McCleery | Stars: Carl Bleazby, Norman Griffiths, Laura James
28. William Clauson Recital (1957 TV Special)
40 min | Music
A live 40-minute Sydney-aired recital by American folk singer William Clauson. It aired on non-commercial television.
Star: William Clauson
29. Here's William Clauson (1957 TV Short)
15 min | Short, Music
A live recital by American folk-singer William Clauson.
Star: William Clauson
30. William Clauson (1957 TV Movie)
45 min | Music
American folk singer William Clauson sings songs in a live program from Melbourne Town Hall.
Star: William Clauson
31. The Passionate Pianist (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Comedy
The story of a teenage pianist who prefers football to practicing.
Director: Paul O'Loughlin | Stars: Ivor Bromley, Edward Howell, Marion Johns, Mark Kelly
32. Sound of Thunder (1957 TV Movie)
75 min | Drama
A drama set in Italy during Allied advance of 1944.
Director: William Sterling | Stars: Edward Brayshaw, Judith Godden, Robert Peach, Philip Stainton
33. These Are Our Songs (1957 TV Movie)
45 min | Music
A special featuring unpublished Australian songs.
Stars: Geoff Brooke, Martin Clarke, Pam Corrigan, Alan Eddy
34. The Penny Revue (1957 TV Special)
30 min | Music
A live variety show, featuring songs and sketches.
Stars: Keith Alexander, Lola Brooks, Betty Bucknelle, Wendy Castley
35. Larry Adler with ABC Dance Band (1957 TV Special)
45 min | Music
A 45-minute live presentation of music from Melbourne Town Hall, with Larry Adler, Arthur Young, and the ABC Dance Band.
Stars: Larry Adler, Arthur Young
36. The Duke in Darkness (1957 TV Movie)
60 min | Drama
A live television play set in 16th century France. A duke imprisoned for 15 years in a castle in France feigns blindness for five years to lull the suspicions of his captors in order to plan his escape.
Director: Christopher Muir | Stars: Brian James, Syd Conabere, Walter Brown, Philip Stainton
37. ABC Radio and TV Ball (1957 TV Special)
45 min | Music
A variety special broadcast in a 45-minute time-slot, broadcast direct from the Royal Ballroom.
Stars: Marisa Bertoldini, Geoff Brooke, Irene Hewitt, Joshua Heygen
38. The Importance of Being Earnest (1957 TV Movie)
PG | 90 min | Comedy
In 1890s London rakish Algy runs into friend Jack who's in town to propose to Algy's cousin Gwendolen. Algy discovers Jack has a brother 'Ernest' and a ward called Cecily. While Jack deals ... See full summary »
Director: Paul O'Loughlin | Stars: James Condon, Margo Lee, Neva Carr-Glynn, Richard Meikle
39. Richard Lewis (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Music
A live television recital by tenor Richard Lewis.
Star: Richard Lewis
40. Amahl and the Night Visitors (1957 TV Movie)
60 min | Music
In this live television opera, A crippled boy is visited by the three wise men.
Director: Christopher Muir | Stars: Neil Easton, Victor Franklin, Tony Monopoly, Desmond Patterson
41. Sing We Merrily (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Music
Rev. Fr. John McMahon and the Cecilian singers explain how people of the medieval era learned about Christmas.
Star: John McMahon
42. Shadow of Doubt (1957 TV Movie)
60 min | Drama
A live television play, a suspense drama concerning an English physicist.
Director: Raymond Menmuir | Stars: Don Crosby, Bruce Beeby, Winifred Green, Betty Lucas
43. Valda Aveling (1957 TV Short)
15 min | Short, Music
A live television recital by harpsichordist Valda Aveling.
Star: Valda Aveling
44. In Search of a Dog (1957 TV Movie)
30 min
A live television presentation, about two small boys looking for a dog. They find one at King Edward VII Dogs Home.
Star: Keith Smith
45. Fight Training at McQuillan's (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Sport
Some of Sydney's best known boxers were shown training.
Star: Dick Haley
46. Control Tower, Mascot (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Documentary
A look into operations at Mascot control tower.
47. Skater's Inn (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Comedy, Music
This live television program was an ice show, featuring ice skaters.
Stars: Adrienne Erdof, Nancy Hallam, Felix Kaspar, Lois Thompson
49. Spring Dance Festival (1957 TV Special)
A presentation of dancing from Sydney Town Hall.
Star: John West
50. Victoria Police on Service (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Documentary
A live telecast from Police Headquarters, Russell Street.
Star: Selwyn Porter
51. Preview of Motor Show (1957 TV Special)
45 min | Documentary
Aired in a 45-minute time-slot, this was an ABC broadcast showing the Sydney Motor Show, including the latest models, racing cars, and "Genevieve".
52. Presenting Thomas L. Thomas (1957 TV Short)
20 min | Short, Music
Broadcast in a 20-minute time-slot (9:00PM to 9:20PM), this was a live television recital by singer Thomas L. Thomas, a baritone.
Star: Thomas L. Thomas
54. Look at Fifty Million Pounds (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Documentary
Broadcast live from a bank, this was a documentary which showed methods used to detect forged banknotes, as well as the storing of money, and the destruction of damaged banknotes.
55. Claudio Arrau Concert (1957 TV Movie)
60 min | Music
A televised concert by visiting Chilean pianist Claudio Arrau, who performs Beethoven's Concerto No. 5 in E Flat.
Stars: Claudio Arrau, Nicolai Malko
56. The George Wallace Show (1957 TV Special)
60 min | Comedy, Music
A live variety show special.
Stars: Jack Allen, Hayes Gordon, Alec Kellaway, Babs MacKinnon
57. Backroom Boys at the Gallery (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Documentary
A live broadcast from the National Art Gallery in Sydney, showing the men who "keep the art treasures in order".
Star: Hal Missingham
58. The Wraith (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Comedy
A comedy about a mysterious burglar.
Director: William Sterling | Stars: Leonard Bullen, Norman Cull, Joan Lord
59. At Home with Alfred Hill (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Documentary
A programme featuring the famous composer Alfred Hill.
Star: Alfred Hill
60. Sundown Serenade (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Music
A programme of Australian songs.
Star: John Ashcroft
61. At Home with a Sculptor (1957 TV Special)
30 min | Short, Talk-Show
Mungo McCallum interviews sculptor Lyndon Dadswell.
Stars: Lyndon Dadswell, Mungo MacCallum
62. Pottery in the Making (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Documentary
A live telecast from a pottery in Ryde, Sydney.
63. A Fourth for Bridge (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Comedy
A live television play about p.o.w.s during WW2.
Director: Alan Burke | Stars: Hanns Eisler, Al Garcia, Nigel Lovell, Richard Meikle
64. Twenty-Five Years (1957 TV Special)
45 min
A live broadcast in a 45-minute time-slot. The program was created to celebrate ABC's 25th anniversary. Features a re-creation of the 1932 ABC radio studio.
Stars: Clive Amadio, Heath Burdock, Peter Dawson, Margaret Day
65. Police Horse Training (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Documentary
A live telecast from police barracks in Redfern.
Star: R.W. Livermore
66. Behind the Scenes at the Museum (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Documentary
Live telecast from Australian National Museum, showing taxidermists preparing animals, etc.
67. Boy Over the Gap (1957 TV Movie)
30 min | Documentary
Live telecast about the work of the New South Wales police rescue squad.
Star: Harry Ware
69. Let's Use the Psalms (1957 TV Movie)
30 min
Live broadcast with Dr. Alan Watson and the Westminster Madrigal Singers.
Star: Alan Watson
70. Happy New Year (1957 TV Special)
30 min | Music
A live variety show special.
Stars: Bob Cornish, Geoff Coward, Beverley Hay, Danny Kempney
72. Schools Take the Stage (1957 TV Movie)
60 min | Documentary
Live telecast from Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park, Sydney.
73. Museum of Models (1957 TV Movie)
45 min | Documentary
A live Sydney-aired telecast (kinescoped for Melbourne telecast), featuring a visit to the Technological Museum. Aired in a 45-minute time-slot.
74. Petre Munteanu Recital (1958 TV Special)
45 min | Music
A 45-minute recital given by Romanian tenor Petre Munteanu, accompanied by pianist Henri Penn.
Stars: Petre Munteanu, Henri Penn
75. Gown of the Year (1958 TV Short)
15 min | Short
Highlights from the "Gown of the Year" parade.
Star: Brenda Marshall
76. Gerry Gee's Jamboree (1958 TV Special)
45 min
According to a TV listing, this was a variety special featuring ventriloquists and their dolls.
Star: Ron Blaskett
77. Reflections on Calvary (1958 TV Movie)
30 min
Readings by Pearce and Casson.
Stars: John Casson, Eric Pearce
78. Symphonie Pastorale (1958 TV Movie)
60 min | Drama
Tragedy results when a pastor falls in love with a blind orphan.
Director: Bill Eldridge | Stars: Wyn Roberts, Maree Tomasetti, Beryl Marshall, John Kirkbride
79. Alberto's Circus (1958 TV Movie)
60 min | Family
A live broadcast, featuring circus acts.
Star: Bob Horsfall
80. Murder Story (1958 TV Movie)
60 min | Drama
Last fortnight in the life of a youth who was sentenced to death for the killing of a police constable.
Director: Raymond Menmuir | Stars: John Alden, Don Crosby, Deryck Barnes, Myrna Dodd
82. Winter Wonderland (1958 TV Special)
Not Rated | 30 min | Short, Sport
Broadcast live from St. Moritz, St Kilda, this special was an ice show.
Stars: Nancy Hallam, Tim Spencer
83. Gaslight (1958 TV Movie)
75 min | Drama
Years after her aunt was murdered in her home, a young woman moves back into the house with her new husband. However, he has a secret that he will do anything to protect, even if means driving his wife insane.
Director: William Sterling | Stars: Beverley Dunn, Judith Godden, Brian James, John Morgan
84. Spotlight on the Dance (1958 TV Movie)
30 min | Music
A presentation of dancing. Dance styles shown include ballroom dancing, square dancing, apache, and classical ballet.
Stars: Max Bond, Norma Connolly, Marita Lowden, Ray Trickett
85. Night Out at the Savoy Plaza (1958 TV Special)
45 min
A live, 45-minute presentation from the Rainbow Room at the Savoy Plaza Hotel, including a floor show.
Stars: Bob Cornish, Bob Walters
86. Making Money (1958 TV Movie)
45 min | Documentary
A live presentation from the Royal Mint, Melbourne, showing how coins are made.
Stars: Murray Gordon, Reg Neal
87. Sydney Symphony Orchestra (1958 TV Special)
45 min | Music
A 45-minute live presentation of classical music. Additionally, the poem "Green Water" was narrated by actor Leonard Teale.
Stars: Geoffrey Chard, Bernard Heinze, Leonard Teale
88. Voyageur (1958 TV Movie)
30 min | Music
A live ballet, about a goose who loses use of wings after being shot by a hunter.
89. Chance of a Ghost (1958 TV Movie)
60 min | Thriller
A thriller set in an American penthouse during a New Years Eve party.
Director: Royston Morley | Stars: Bert Bertram, Jacqueline Kott, Moray Powell, Walter Sullivan
90. Night Out at Romano's (1958 TV Special)
45 min | Music
A live presentation from the now-defunct "Romano's" restaurant in Sydney. Includes a floor show.
Stars: Daphne Barker, Jack Barker, Babs MacKinnon, Ken Noyle
91. The Small Victory (1958 TV Movie)
75 min | Drama
Director: William Sterling | Stars: Brian James, Beverley Dunn, John Morgan, Syd Conabere
92. If It's a Rose (1958 TV Movie)
60 min | Comedy, Romance
Anna is being courted by Mario.
Director: Raymond Menmuir | Stars: Annette Andre, Ethel Lang, Don Pascoe
93. Songs That Sold a Million (1958 TV Movie)
45 min | Music
A live, 45-minute presentation of well-known songs.
Stars: Gaynor Bunning, Alan Eddy, Jennifer Eddy, Beverley Hay
94. Patrick O'Hagan Recital (1958 TV Movie)
40 min | Music
A 40-minute recital from Sydney Town Hall by singer Patrick O'Hagan.
Star: Patrick O'Hagan
95. Miss Mabel (1958 TV Movie)
60 min | Comedy
Director: Paul O'Loughlin | Stars: Minnie Love, Walter Pym, Charles Tasman, Ida Newton
96. At the Balalaika (1958 TV Movie)
30 min | Music
A live presentation of music, including the Melbourne Balalaika Orchestra conducted by Paul Pavlov, tenor Ernest Marsaus, and Russian folks dances by The Four Cossacks.
Stars: Ernest Marsaus, Paul Pavlov
97. Winter Fashions (1958 TV Movie)
30 min
Fashions for winter, modeled by leading Melbourne models.
Star: Joan Melwit
98. Captain Carvallo (1958 TV Movie)
60 min | Comedy
The captain and his batman hope for amorous adventures, but find themselves facing death.
Director: William Sterling | Stars: Neil Fitzpatrick, Mary Ward, Syd Conabere, Frank Gatliff
99. Ballet Studio (1958 TV Movie)
30 min | Music
A presentation of excerpts from various ballets.
Star: Laurel Martyn
100. Sorry, Wrong Number (1958 TV Movie)
30 min | Drama
A woman overhears a telephone call, and thinks she is hearing her own murder being planned.
Director: Raymond Menmuir | Stars: Georgie Sterling, Pat Binstead, John Bluthal, Del Furze
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