Biography
Ronald Richard Beck was the first child of Richard Joseph and Pearl Eileen Beck and had a brother Rex Bernard (1918-1983) and a sister Maxine Joan (1924-1998). Ron grew up in Adelaide and performed in local theatrical productions before joining J C Williamson's as a principal comedian in 1938/9. During the war years he joined Colgate-Palmolive's Radio Production unit in 1942/2 and produced and directed local stars including Gracie Fields, Roy Rene (Mo), Willie Fennell, Hal Lashwood, Kathy Lloyd, Harry Griffiths and many others. In 1948 he started his independant radio production company, Ron R Beck Pty Ltd. In that era he used great talents many including those above as well as Hayes Gordon, Pat Hodgins, Al Thomas, Jim Tregonning, Rita Puncefort, Doroth Foster (Ada & Elsie) and many others. He continued producing, writing and directing in the Golden Years of Australian Radio from then until 1958, when television took over. Moving to other pursuits, in manufacuring, promotions, investing and retailing Ron was, in 1969, approached by the third Television network (0/10) to be Executive Producer for a Police Drama. In January 1970 "The Long Arm" commenced production of a 13 episode series at Channel 0 Melbourne. It starred Robert Bruning, Barbara Mason, Tony Ward, Sandy Harbutt, Lyndal Moor, Sean McEuan, and many other leading Australian performers. Directors included: Colin Eggleston, David Eastman, Michael Pate, Rob Weekes and others. A second 13 episode series was commissioned, but the Channel cancelled after about 8 or 9 episodes were in the can in favour of a Crawford Productions concept of a Rural Police Drama called "Matlock Police", produced initially by Michael Pate. Ron, having by then large land holdings West of Melbourne, near Ballarat, went into semi retirement in 1972. He and wife Betsy moved to Brisbane in 1987 and lived in comfort until his death in 1990.
