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Little is currently known about this radio serial, which spawned a highly successful stage play, which was adapted to the stage (from where the play was adapted back to the radio, to film, and as a novel).
Adaptations
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y
The Square Ring
1952
8130808
1952
single work
drama
'FACT and fantasy are fatally confused in Docker Starkie, who is Peterson's central character.
In fact, he is an ageing ex-champion making a comeback in a second-rate fight because he needs money.
In fantasy he is back in his boxing heyday, trying to believe he needs just the "feel" of the canvas under his feet, to recapture all his old skill.
The two become as one in the ring, where Starkie dies.
That is just the main thread of the story. Before Docker makes his last journey to the ring we see a stream of "pre-lim boys"–the youngster blinded by resin from his opponent's gloves and wisely deciding to go back to the paint factory; the punch-drunk old-stager in danger of losing his reason altogether; the flashy spiv who is to earn his money by "taking a dive"; the cheerful Cockney on the way up; and the bear-like moron.
Through it all runs an unspoken indictment of the boxing racket.'
Source:
'Sydney Writer's London Stage Hit', Sunday Herald, 26 October 1952, p.12.
Production Details
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Produced for ABC radio.
Sometimes said to have been broadcast in 1949, but the earliest broadcast dates so far confirmed is 27 March 1950, at which point the serial began airing Mondays to Thursdays at 6:40pm on the regional stations and interstate network.
The serial ran until at least August 1951; it appears to have gone off the air somewhere around 21 August 1951.
Cast members included Deryck Barnes.
