Alvin Purple (TV series)
| Alvin Purple | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Alan Hopgood |
| Starring |
Graeme Blundell Chris Haywood. |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| No. of episodes | 13 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 30 min per episode |
| Release | |
| Original network | ABC |
| Original release | 13 August 1976 – 1976 |
Alvin Purple was an Australian television situation comedy series made by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in 1976.[1] The series followed continued adventures of the title character, previously featured in successful sex comedy feature films Alvin Purple (1973) and Alvin Purple Rides Again (1974).
Graeme Blundell reprises the role of Alvin in the series. Alvin cohabitates with a new character, flatmate Spike (Chris Haywood). As in the films various women inexplicably lust after Alvin. The women were played by a stream of recognisable Australian actresses in guest starring roles including Tina Bursill, Jackie Weaver, Belinda Giblin, June Rich, Jane Harders, Pamela Gibbons, Kirrily Nolan, Peta Peita, Judy Lynne, Suzanne Church, Carla Hoogeveen, Chantal Contouri, Anya Saleky. Dawn Lake and Leonard Teale also acted in the series.[2][3]
Production
In late 1974 Tim Burstall and Hexagon Productions discussed a possible TV series based on Alvin Purple with the ABC. Eventually the ABC made the series in arrangement with Alan Hopgood, who wrote the original screenplay.
During negotiations, apparently neither Burstall nor Alan Finney (of Hexagon) made any claim that they retained rights in Alvin.
However, after the ABC had produced several episodes, Burstall and Hexagon became aware that property in the Alvin character belonged to them and they sued the ABC for breach of copyright.
In the decision Hexagon Pty Ltd and Ors v The Australian Broadcasting Commission [1981] VR 224, the court held that copyright vested in Hexagon, however they were estopped from enforcing its rights by not seeking to do so before the ABC commenced its production. It was held that the conduct of Hexagon had been such as to indicate to the ABC that they would not pursue any rights and prohibit the ABC from proceeding.[4]
Notes
- ↑ "ABC PLANS A VIVID COLOR: ALVIN PURPLE!.". The Australian Women's Weekly. National Library of Australia. 2 April 1975. p. 10. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
- ↑ Moran, Albert. Moran's Guide to Australian TV Series, Allen & Unwin, 1993. ISBN 0-642-18462-3 p 58
- ↑ "Alvin Purple exposed.". The Australian Women's Weekly. National Library of Australia. 18 August 1976. p. 15. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
- ↑ Michael Rickards, "... And copyright", Cinema Papers, March 1983 p48-49