AustLit

The script held in the Crawford Collection in the AFI Research Collection contains the following character notes (excluding regular characters):

'MARGARET FLEMING: 42ish. Married,a [sic] weak man. Became more and more aware that his marriage to her was an attempt to resolve deep psychological problems of his own. Separation between them continued - his ability to be a husband to her ended. She began seeing other men. Involved in a complex of pressures - trying to protect daughter Jane from all of this. Realizes too late that her own way of solving the problem has failed. Condemned by neighbours, and her daughter, respect for husband prevents her from getting emotional security from David Cook, the man who loves her.

'JANE FLEMING: 21ish. Tall, slim build, an air hostess. Very close to her father without ever understanding his deep problems. Doesn't understand her mother - hasn't attempted to. Feels something is wrong in the house but blames it all on her mother. Knew Gary Harrison a couple of years ago but outgrew him. Decides final blame rests with her mother and leaves home, in order to punish the only person she can find guilty.

'DAVID COOK: 45ish. Bachelor, educated, architect. A man of principles, he has loved and respected Margaret Fleming for years. Attempts to protect her. Aggressive rather than passive But [sic] with a deeper gentleness, perhaps even weakness. Learned karate a couple of years ago because he felt the need to protect himself. Able to drive.

'GARY HARRISON: 19ish. Physically powerful, mentally immature, emotional. Infatuated with Jane Fleming, wants to take up their old -childish -- [sic] relationship again. But she has outgrown him. Able to drive horse and cart and small van.

'JACK ROBERTSON: Late 30s Salesman. [sic] Insecure, needs other women to convince him he's worth something. Married, able to drive.

'MRS ROBERTSON: Early 30s. Pretty, quiet-natured. Small part.

'POLICE DOCTOR: That type.

'MR CLARKE: 50ish. Bright, optimistic, healthy neighbour of the Flemings.

'MRS MARTIN: 40-45. Unprepossessing, nasty-natured scandal lover with a sweet smile.

'WOMAN NEIGHBOUR: 40ish. Vicious face. One word of dialogue.

'DAIRY WORKER: 30-50. Vigorous. One scene with dialogue.

'KARATE PUPIL: Medium build, athletic type. No dialogue.

'NEIGHBOUR EXTRAS: Three curious onlookers.

UNIFORMED POLICE CONSTABLE: Extra.

'ARTHUR FLEMING: 45ish. Weak Face. [sic] (Body)

'KARATE TEACHER: 30ish. Fit, good looking young man. Small part.

'TWO UNIFORMED POLICEMEN: Extras'.