This Is Television

"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 (1960-06-25)
Running time	60 mins
Guest appearance
Eric Pearce
Episode chronology

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

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

The 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Filmink wrote "As entertainment, it’s a mixed bag; as a historical document, it’s fascinating and invaluable."^[3]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

1. "New drama on Ch 7". The Sydney Morning Herald. 14 June 1960. p. 18.
2. "NFSA - GENERAL MOTORS HOUR. EP. 02, THIS IS TELEVISION". www.collection.nfsa.gov.au. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
3. Vagg, Stephen (2023-08-08). "Forgotten Australian Television Documentaries: This is Television". FilmInk. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
4. "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.

External links

• "This Is Television" at IMDb