Come in Spinner
Come in Spinner is an Australian novel by Dymphna Cusack and Florence James, originally published in 1951 and set in Sydney at the end of the Second World War. Name. The title refers to a phrase used in the Australian gambling game of two-up. "Come in spinner" is the call given by the game manager when all bets are placed and the coins are ready to be tossed. Plot. The book tells the story of three women, Claire, Guinea and Deb, who are co-workers in the beauty salon of an exclusive Sydney hotel. The story  weaves together these characters with their familial and romantic relationships, as they struggle to manage the realities of working for the privileged upper classes, to whom no rules apply, while their own families cope with wartime deaths and losses, rationing, government manpower recruitment and stiflingly conservative attitudes surrounding the role and perception of the "acceptable" behaviour of women. Publication. The original novel was so controversial that it was published in abridged form. The characters' journeys cover such topics as abortion, adultery, prostitution and rape, as well as promiscuity and the black market. The book was restored to its original form  by Florence James and republished in 1987, partly due to the interest caused by the development of a television adaptation of the book. Dymphna Cusack was not able to take part in this restoration or witness the renewed popularity of the novel as she died in 1981. Radio adaptation. In 1954 the novel was adapted as a serial for radio. It was a popular adaptation but controversial and was axed in Melboune after viewer complaints. Film and television. In the 1950s, film director Jack Lee expressed interest in making a movie out of the novel. In 1989–90, the Australian Broadcasting  Corporation made a television mini-series based on the novel, starring Lisa Harrow, Kerry Armstrong, Rebecca Gibney and Martin Vaughan. The series was well received by critics and audiences and was released on DVD in 2005. The soundtrack album was released featuring Grace Knight and Vince Jones. It was produced by Martin Armiger with arrangements and conducting by Derek Williams and William Motzing. The album achieved platinum sales awards.