Come in Spinner

"Come in Spinner" is a powerful and spellbinding Australian television miniseries that aired on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in 1990. Hailing as a historical drama, the series is set against the backdrop of World War II Sydney, Australia. It is a vivid depiction of the daily life, struggles, aspirations, and relationships of a group of women working in a posh hotel during a period of global turmoil.

The series was adapted from the Australian Much-Loved Bestselling novel of the same name by Dymphna Cusack and Florence James. The phrase "Come in Spinner" is an Australian colloquial term hailing from a two-up game popular among the soldiers. It refers to the person who throws the coins, and its significance is cleverly interwoven for a metaphorical description of the women's lives during the period.

"Come in Spinner" is an intricate blend of quite a few interesting elements. War-themed drama, romance, mystery, and comedy – the series gracefully expands them all and traces the prevailing situations of the period. Central to its narrative is the focus on the lives of four women - Claire, Guinea, Deb and Monica – who work in the cosmetics salon of a prestigious Sydney hotel. With these characters, the series provides a lens for viewers to explore the varied facets of women's lives in the war-torn era.

Claire, the salon's well-behaved and methodical receptionist, is managing the affairs of the cosmopolitan city life and raising two young children, all on her own. Guinea, the vivacious stylist, is intelligently manipulating her romantic liaisons with wealthy men to climb the social ladder. Deb, the confident and talented beautician, experiences several ups and downs in her personal life. Monica, a young apprentice, is exploring life’s lessons in the backdrop of the rampaging world war.

The fascinating part of "Come in Spinner" is its inclusion of many peripheral characters that further add depth to its storyline. There are American GIs and Australian soldiers enjoying their leisure time in the hotel bar, heartbroken war wives, wealthy women with their own set of problems, bureaucrats, spies and more. Each character brings forth an array of conflicting emotions, ethical dilemmas, and moral questions, adding a unique richness to the viewing experience.

Capturing wartime Sydney in its full essence, the series beautifully paints a picture of an era marked by restrictions, rationing, and blackouts. It vividly captures the glitzy city life bustling with GIs, servicemen, and other civilians, creating tumultuous narratives of love, passion, crime, and betrayal.

One of the unique aspects of the series is its portrayal of the socio-cultural shifts that the war initiated in Australian society. It captures the zeitgeist of a society where women were stepping out of their domestic confines and working, socializing, and enjoying greater autonomy. It also takes a deep dive into the considerable economic and class struggles of the time, dwelling on the changes spurred by war economics.

In terms of production, "Come in Spinner" is masterfully crafted. The series is a visual treat, with outstanding art direction that perfectly captures the look and feel of the 1940s. The costumes, the décor, the locations, and the makeup all play a crucial part in crafting a believable historical narrative. Acting performances are commendable, with each actor immersing themselves into their respective characters and embodying the raw emotions of the time.

On the whole, "Come in Spinner" is not just a war drama, but an anthropological exploration of the human condition under the strain of extraordinary circumstances. It captures the resilience, desire, greed, love, ambition, deceit, and overall complexity of human characters during a universally tumultuous period. It is a show that draws viewers in with its story’s historical significance, carefully crafted settings, and heart-tugging characters, rendering it a memorable piece of Australian television history.