Alvin Purple (TV series)

Alvin Purple was an Australian television situation comedy series, made by ABC in 1976.[1] The series followed continued adventures of the title character, previously featured in the successful sex comedy feature film Alvin Purple (1973) and its sequel Alvin Purple Rides Again (1974).

Alvin Purple
Created byAlan Hopgood
StarringGraeme Blundell
Chris Haywood.
Country of originAustralia
No. of episodes13
Production
Running time30 min per episode
Release
Original networkABC
Original release13 August 1976 (1976-08-13) –
1976 (1976)

Graeme Blundell reprised the role of Alvin in the series. Alvin cohabitated 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, with ABC, a possible television series based on Alvin Purple. Eventually, 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 stopped 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
  1. "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.
  2. Moran, Albert. Moran's Guide to Australian TV Series, Allen & Unwin, 1993. ISBN 0-642-18462-3 p 58
  3. "Alvin Purple exposed". The Australian Women's Weekly. National Library of Australia. 18 August 1976. p. 15. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
  4. Michael Rickards, "... And copyright", Cinema Papers, March 1983 p48-49
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