Long Distance (film)


Long Distance is a 1961 Australian television film. It was based on a 1948 American radio play, and retained the U.S. setting. It was among the first local drama productions by station HSV-7, and aired in a 30-minute time-slot. It was telecast on the 8th of June. An excerpt from it appeared in a 2006 documentary called Studio One, suggesting Long Distance still exists despite the wiping of the era. The film was produced by British producer Peter Cotes and starred his wife, Joan Miller. Its air date was pushed back to June 8, 1961 due to a talk by the Prime Minister.
It is not known if the show was shown interstate.
Australian TV drama was relatively rare at the time.

Premise

A woman's husband is to be executed. After finding proof that he is innocent, his wife tries to contact the judge, but only has 30 minutes to do so.

Cast

It was the first of four productions Cotes made in Australia, the others being Suspect, Candide and Shadow of the Vine. He said he would have made more but for the credit freeze. Cotes said his main reason for making Long Distance was to introduce Miller, his wife, to Australian audiences.

Reception

The Age newspaper, in the section Teletopics, said that "Joan Miller gave a most moving portrayal" and that the show "lived up to expectation".