Leonard Rossiter Stars In Strange Play (Press, 25 March 1972)

On 25 March 1972, Leonard Rossiter delivered a remarkable performance in the play “Harry-Kari and Sally,” presented on a Thursday night. The play, written by Douglas Livingston, was a challenging piece, almost a solo show for Rossiter, who portrayed the character Harry Brown—a seemingly fussy, pompous ex-army officer now in a minor factory job. The play opened lightly but gradually revealed the complexities of Harry’s character through flashbacks and soliloquies that illuminated his struggles, including his past with his deceased wife and emotional turmoil related to his homosexual inclinations. Rossiter's ability to draw the audience into Harry’s internal conflicts made for a poignant performance. The twist at the end of the play was subtly foreshadowed, and the intensity of the revelation had a significant impact, hitting home even harder due to the gradual build-up. The setting of Harry's home was thoughtfully constructed, enhancing the narrative, and the supporting cast complemented Rossiter's performance, particularly Ray Brown as the lively Dennis and Cheryl Kennedy as the chatty Sally. Overall, Leonard Rossiter's portrayal was the standout element of the evening, with the show deeply revolving around his character's journey. In television, "The South Tonight" profited from the skilled interviewing of Rodney Bryant, who adeptly navigated difficult moments and demonstrated a solid understanding of his topics. Conversely, another segment hosted by David Exel titled “Gallery” faced challenges. Exel, generally an effective host, struggled during a discussion with Police Minister Mr Allen regarding the use of police dogs in demonstrations, which resulted in a more subdued exchange than expected. Exel's persistence in seeking vigorous debate led to repetitive questioning when faced with Allen’s calm and measured responses. “Gallery” also touched on the theme of racial issues, featuring Bobbie Sykes advocating for Australian aborigines and former rugby player Andrew Mulligan reporting from South Africa about multi-racial sports developments. This inclusion provided a fresh perspective on the often contentious discussions around apartheid. Meanwhile, "The Outcasts" aimed to transcend the typical Western genre. Starring Don Murray and Otis Young, the plot featured themes of materialism versus human values as their characters sheltered from hostile Indian forces. The storytelling included a sentimental twist where the white protagonist lost his sight during a protracted night battle but remarkably regained it once the conflict subsided. The film raised questions about practicality, particularly in terms of ammunition supply amidst the unfolding gunfight.

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