PLAY FOR TODAY: EDNA THE INEBRIATE WOMAN (TV)
Summary
One in this dramatic anthology series. This story follows Edna, an alcoholic vagabond, and her travails in and out of various social institutions. In this part, Edna is continually on the move in search of food and lodging. As she shuttles between government agencies, Edna meets the outcasts, the maladjusted, and the disaffected who are her fellow wayfarers. Tried in court after causing a public disturbance, she is committed to the psychiatric ward of a state-run hospital. Here she contrives to remain, preferring the madness of the ward over the cold and hunger of the streets. Against her will, however, Edna is released to fend for herself once again.
After a brief period in prison for drunk and disorderly conduct, Edna finds shelter and warmth in a small hostel run by nuns. Edna is befriended by Josie, the efficient and compassionate social worker who heads the hostel. In this shelter run by nuns, Edna finds the home she never had. Her comfort and stability soon evaporate, however, when intolerant wealthy residents in the area complain about the hostel's presence and force it to close down. Edna, outcast once more, must move on in search of alternate lodgings.
This program received the Best Single Play award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
Details
- NETWORK: BBC (United Kingdom)
- DATE: October 21, 1971
- RUNNING TIME: 1:02:06
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T88:0481
- GENRE: Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: British Academy of Film and Television Arts; Drama; International Collection - United Kingdom
- SERIES RUN: BBC (United Kingdom) - TV series, 1970-1984
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Irene Shubik … Producer
- Ted Kotcheff … Director
- Jeremy Sandford … Writer
- Patricia Hayes … Cast, Edna
- Barbara Jefford … Cast, Josie
- Geraldine Sherman … Cast, Trudi
- Cheryl Hall … Cast, Vangi
- Kate Williams … Cast, Teresa
- Peggy Aitchison … Cast, Lil
- Freda Dowie … Cast, Mother Superior
- Roger Hammond … Cast, Victor
- John Trigger … Cast, Graham
- Walter Sparrow … Cast, Common Lodging House Proprietor
- June Watson … Cast, Attendant
- Denis Carey … Cast, Doctor
- Gerry Verno … Cast, Old Man
- Rex Rashley … Cast, Old Man
- Amelia Bayntun … Cast, Jessie
- Douglas Ditta … Cast, Social Security Clerk
- Enys Box … Cast, Attendant in Canteen
- Chris Gannon … Cast, Tramp
- Talfryn Thomas … Cast, Tramp
- Charles Farrell … Cast, Tramp
- Vivian Mackerall … Cast, Tramp
- Pat Nye … Cast, Irene
- Marie Conmee … Cast, Paddy
- Jenny Logan … Cast, Doris
- Anthony Dawes … Cast, Man in Car
- Elaine Mitchell … Cast, Social Security Official
- John Hussey … Cast, Psychiatrist
- June Brown … Cast, Clara
- Jumoke Debayo … Cast, Staff Nurse
- Jo Maxwell Muller … Cast, Nina
- Malcolm Terris … Cast, Psychiatrist
- Keith Marsh … Cast, Porter
- Eamonn Boyce … Cast, Proprietor of Lodging House
- James Cairncross … Cast, Rogo
- Virginia Snyders … Cast, Bed Ticket Proprietor
- Alex Marshall … Cast, Social Security Clerks
- James Walker … Cast, Social Security Clerk
- Norman Lumsden … Cast, Magistrate
- Mark Moss … Cast, Policeman
- Julian Herington … Cast, Clerk
- Merelina Kendall … Cast, Nun
- Francis Tomelty … Cast, Nun
- Jeffrey Segal … Cast, Counsel
- David Garth … Cast, Defence
- George Belbin … Cast, Chairman
- Ronnie Masterson … Cast, Neighbour
- Maggy Maxwell … Cast, Neighbour
- Bartlett Mullins … Cast, Neighbour