The Long Shadow (Cleary novel)
![]() First edition | |
Author | Jon Cleary |
---|---|
Language | English |
Genre | Thriller |
Publisher | Invincible Press |
Publication date | 1949 |
Publication place | Australia |
The Long Shadow is a 1949 novel from Australian author Jon Cleary. Cleary had just written his debut work, You Can't See 'Round Corners and was unsure what to do as a follow up. His editor Graham Greene suggested he try his hand at a thriller "because it will teach you the art of narrative and it will teach you the uses of brevity."[1]
Plot
The plot revolves around Martin Brown, an educated man who is living as a swagman. He is falsely accused of murder of a woman called Ruth Taylor, and is pursued through the Australian countryside by police and other men. He falls in love with a woman who believes his innocence.[2]
Reception
Reviews were not as strong as that for Cleary's first novel.[3][4]
Proposed Film
In 1968 it was announced that a movie version was to be made starring Rod Taylor for Ajax Films from a script by James Workman but no film resulted.[5][6][7]
References
- ^ Jon Cleary interview, The Book Show - Radio National, 26 February 2006
- ^ "SOME NEW FICTION". Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954). Launceston, Tas.: National Library of Australia. 7 January 1950. p. 12. Retrieved 6 March 2012.
- ^ "New interpreters of Australasian scene". The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1956). Melbourne, Vic.: National Library of Australia. 28 January 1950. p. 12. Retrieved 6 March 2012.
- ^ "SOME NEW FICTION". Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954). Launceston, Tas.: National Library of Australia. 7 January 1950. p. 12. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
- ^ Jon Cleary Interviewed by Stephen Vagg: Oral History at National Film and Sound Archive
- ^ 'Rod Taylor weighs offers for 5 Pix in Native Land', Variety, 21 Nov 1968
- ^ "LEISURE THE ARTS US visitor sees big film future for us". The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995). ACT: National Library of Australia. 14 December 1967. p. 30. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
External links
- The Long Shadow at AustLit (subscription required)