Alice in Wonderland is a 1962 Australian television film based on Lewis Carroll's 1865 novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. It was a pantomime and aired as part of the BP Super Show.[1]
It aired 15 December 1962[2] and ran for one hour.[3] It was one of a number of original Australian musicals on TV at the time.[4]
Cast
- Patricia Moore as Alice
- Kevin Colson as Knave of Hearts
- Noel Ferrier as Humpty Dumpty
- Bill Hodge as Duchess
- Chips Rafferty as White Knight
- Johnny Ladd as Queen of Hearts
- Brian Crossley as White Rabbit
- Bob Hornery as the Mad Hatter
- Ron Shand as the King of Hearts and the Walrus
- Roger McDougall as Cheshire Cat
- Fred Parslow as Mock Turtle and the Caterpillar
- Robina Beard as Dormouse
- Kevin Reagan
- Jim Gerald as Cook
- John Bailey as Tweedledee
- Ray Trickett as Tweedledum
- Ernie Bourne as the March Hare
- The Channel 9 Dancers
Production
It was a version of the show presented at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre the year before. Noel Ferrier had pitched the idea of doing a pantomime at the Comedy Theatre to Sir Frank Tait, who agreed. Ferrier said the show was "a great financial success" and staging it "was a most enjoyable experience. I cannot think of many other ventures I have enjoyed as much."[5]
It was especially written for television by Jeff Underhill, reportedly the first time the poem had been adapted for television. Bruce George wrote the music.[6]
"Alice, as the central figure, provides the continuity," said Jeff Underhill, "and the scene changes take place round her in the almost magical way videotape allows."[7]
There were 14 different scenes and eight songs. Noel Ferrier produced and his wife did the sets.[7]
Selected songs
- "Off with their heads"
- "A-sitting on a Gate"
- "Beautiful Soup"
- "You Are Old, Father William"
Reception
The Sydney Morning Herald said the "production was not always successful in matching confusion with charm."[8]