This Is Television is a 1960 Australian television documentary which appeared as an episode of The General Motors Hour.[1] It included behind the scenes look at the following:[2][3]
- a brief overview of how television works with Eric Pearce
- preparation of a variety show
- look at the production of The Grey Nurse Said Nothing
- preparation of In Melbourne Tonight
- the role of critics, including a discussion involving Frank Thring and newspaper critic John Moses
- appearances by Galatea and the Horrie Dargie Quintet
| "This Is Television" | |
|---|---|
| The General Motors Hour episode | |
 Sydney Morning Herald 25 Jul 1960 | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 2 |
| Directed by | Rod Kinnear |
| Written by | Graham Freudenberg |
| Presented by | Harry Dearth |
| Original air date | June 25, 1960 |
| Running time | 60 mins |
| Guest appearance | |
| Eric Pearce | |
Advertisements for General Motors Holden appear throughout.
The documentary is hosted by radio and television presenter Harry Dearth and narrated by Melbourne newsreader Eric Pearce.[3]
Reception
editThe Australian Woman's Weekly said it had "a tight script, well delivered, and gave a clear and interesting picture of what goes on."[4]
Filmink wrote "As entertainment, it’s a mixed bag; as a historical document, it’s fascinating and invaluable."[3]
References
edit- ^ "New drama on Ch 7". The Sydney Morning Herald. 14 June 1960. p. 18.
- ^ "NFSA - GENERAL MOTORS HOUR. EP. 02, THIS IS TELEVISION". www.collection.nfsa.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ^ a b c Vagg, Stephen (2023-08-08). "Forgotten Australian Television Documentaries: This is Television". FilmInk. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
- ^ "Dreams for winners and losers". The Australian Women's Weekly. Vol. 28, no. 7. Australia, Australia. 20 July 1960. p. 55. Retrieved 26 June 2023 – via National Library of Australia.