Dust or Polish? (1950) is a novel by Australian writer and artist Norman Lindsay.AustLit - Dust or Polish? by Norman Lindsay
Story outline The novel tells the story of ex-chorus girl Rita Aanson who goes into the second-hand furniture trade in the Sydney suburb of Paddington.
Critical reception Reviewing the novel in The Argus Gladys Hain noted a technique of Lindsay's: "Although Norman Lindsay's Dust Or Polish is a quite well-knit story, it will hold the interest rather because of the author's little habit of putting his views on art – and artists – into the mouths of his characters, than because of any intrinsic merit as a literary effort.""As his characters talk, Norman Lindsay thinks" by Gladys Hain, The Argus, 12 August 1950, p17
In The Sydney Morning Herald, the reviewer was full of praise: "Norman Lindsay's latest novel (his tenth) is a lively, vigorous work sprinkled with the wisdom and keen observations of a mature thinker, and written with the technical skill of an artist. The characters are vitally projected, the narrative flows smoothly and the novel is full of shrewd and thoughtful comments on art, life, manners, morals and, of course, the second-hand and period furniture business that provides an interesting background.""New Fiction", The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 July 1950, p8
Television adaptation
The novel was adapted for television in 1972. The television movie was directed by Julian Pringle, from a script by Peter Kenna, and featured Arthur Dignam, Sandy Gore, and Barbara Stephens. The drama was broadcast on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in October 1972.IMDB - Dust or Polish (1972) It was part of a series of adaptations of Norman Lindsay works.
Cast Arthur Dignam Sandy Gore as Rita Barbara Stephens as Sadie Marion Edward as Mrs Dibble Kevin Miles as Dr Grimsby
See also 1950 in Australian literature
References
External links 1972 TV adaptation at AustLit Complete copy of script for 1972 TV version at National Archives of Australia