“It is an experience that stays and haunts one’s mind long after the screen is dark. The play’s dramatic structure is enhanced by the television medium. Director Ronald F. Maxwell matches the poetry of the language to the beauty of the locations.”
Morna Murphy, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
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“Theatre in America” offers a sensitive and sincere interpretation of Gardner McKay’s “Sea Marks,” providing not merely a taping of a stage play, but rather a careful and fluid interpretation that makes fine use of the medium for an outstanding stage to TV transfer. Director Ronald F. Maxwell delicately set this two-character drama on location in Ireland and England to tell the story of an uncultured fisherman and a Liverpool secretary.”
Toy, DAILY VARIETY
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“Sea Marks” proves to be a sensitive evocation of man’s communion with himself in conflict with man’s ambitions and pretensions about himself. It is a halting, faltering charade, filled with poetic allusions and bordering on literary stereotype, but always rescued by valid concept and flow of flirtatiously becoming language. Filmed on location in Ireland and England, the drama makes the places as believable as the people.”
Arthur Unger, THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR
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“WNET’S “Theatre in America” has given “Sea Marks” an impeccable production. Ronald F. Maxwell has expanded a chamber play to television without a touch of strain. The Chieftains, everybody’s favorite Gaelic band, furnishes incidental music.”
Don Shirley, THE WASHINGTON POST
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“Who doesn’t love a good love story? “Sea Marks” offers both romance and some great shots of Ireland’s wild and beautiful seacoast. The word is don’t miss it.”
Patricia Simmons, THE WASHINGTON STAR
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“‘Sea Marks’ shines with deeply felt emotion. The words sound like music and the language soars to the heavens. It brings forward George Hearn and Veronica Castang in two exceptional portrayals.”
Percy Shain, THE BOSTON GLOBE
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“‘Sea Marks’ enhances TV with poetic beauty.”
Frank Getlein, THE WASHINGTON STAR
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“The sheer audacity of taking a fragile two-character play like Gardner McKay’s “Sea Marks” and letting it run loose on the beaches of Ireland and the streets of Liverpool is surprisingly well rewarded in tonight’s “Theatre in America” offering. Producer/Director Ronald F. Maxwell wisely moves “Sea Marks” from scene of waves crashing in solitary splendor to ranks of buses in lively Liverpool streets. These artful diversions strengthen McKay’s story. The production has been perfectly cast.
Dick Adler, THE LOS ANGELES TIMES
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“Opening up a play for film often harms it. Not so in this production directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, also the producer. ”Theatre in America” has turned out a version of Gardner McKay’s “Sea Marks” adapted to the technical possibilities of film and, as the expression goes, opened it up. “Sea Marks” is a sensitive study.”
Morton Moss, LOS ANGELES HERALD EXAMINER