''Pointless Design' deals with the sea journey between Fremantle and London. The passengers include a young Australian going abroad to look for success as a journalist, an Australian girl going abroad for another reason, a negro vaudeville performer, some snobs, and a cynical French scientist. Outwardly, the play's' material is the events of the journey, but Mr Lane is mainly concerned with studying his characters, particularly the character of his negro, Teddy Deacon. The prejudice shown by passengers against Teddy Deacon's colored skin, in spite of Teddy being the most saintly and lovable of men, arouses the author's indignation. The result is a play of strong human interest.'
Source:
'Pointless Design', Huon and Derwent Times, 6 October 1938, p.2.
Broadcast nationally by the ABC on Thursday 20 October 1938.