Australians (TV series)

Australians (also known as Michael Willesee's Australians) is a thirteen part anthology documentary drama series which screened on the Seven Network in 1988.[1]

A lavishly illustrated spin-off coffee table book was released the same year. It was written by Roger McDonald and published Bantam Books.[2]

The series was not the idea of Willesee's, but his company, Transmedia was involved.[3]

Episodes

The episodes focused on famous individuals (with one exception covering soldier settlers):

Episode 1: Les Darcy

March 1, 1988. Written by John Upton, directed by Kevin Dobson.[4]

Cast

Synopsis

Les Darcy was a champion Australian boxer, whose promising future was cut short when his mother prevented him from joining the Australian troops in World War I (leading to accusations of cowardice), and when he met an untimely death at age 21 due to septicaemia.

Episode 2: Private John Simpson

March 8, 1988. Written by Roger McDonald. Directed by Henri Safran.

Cast

  • Robert Willox as John Simpson
  • Peter Fisher as Private Grimshaw
  • Lyndon Harris as Captain Fry
  • Kevin Healy as Col. Ryan
  • Mark McAskill as Private Pratley
  • Vic Rooney as Lr. Col. Sutton
  • Peter Turnbull as Private Gillies
  • David Wenham as Wounded Soldier (uncredited)

Synopsis

Private John (Jack) Simpson was a stretcher bearer during World War I, who went into the line of fire in Gallipoli, rescuing wounded soldiers. In the absence of stretchers, Simpson borrowed a donkey to carry the wounded back to base camp. His deeds of bravery, made him a war hero and an Australian icon.

Episode 3: Vivian Bullwinkle

March 15, 1988. Written by Anne Brooksbank. Directed by Rod Hardy.

Cast

Synopsis

Vivian Bullwinkel was a volunteer nurse during World War 2. While being evacuated from Singapore, her ship sank – upon which she was captured and shot by the Japanese occupying Banka Island.

Episode 4: Mary MacKillop

March 22, 1988. Written by John Misto. Directed by Mark Callan.

Cast

Synopsis

Sister Mary MacKillop founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, a congregation of nuns who established schools and welfare institutions throughout Australasia, with an emphasis on education for the poor. The order put itself outside the control of the local bishop, breeding resentment within areas of the Catholic church.

Episode 5: Lottie Lyell

March 29, 1988. Written by Anne Brooksbank. Directed by Ben Lewin

Cast

Synopsis

Lottie Lyell, widely regarded as Australia's first film star, also worked behind the cameras as a screenwriter, filmmaker, art director, costume designer, editor, and business manager. She significantly contributed to the Australian film industry during the silent era.

Episode 6: Lola Montez

April 5, 1988. Written by Tony Morphett. Directed by Ian Gilmour.

Cast

Synopsis

Lola Montez was an internationally renowned singer and dancer, whose world tour included an Australian leg, entertaining miners during the gold rush of the 1850s.

Episode 7: Clyde Fenton

April 12, 1988. Directed by John Power.

Cast

Synopsis

Clyde Fenton was an exceptional pilot and surgeon, who pioneered the creation of the successful Flying Doctor Service. His valiant efforts made him a hero to the people of the Northern Territory.

Episode 8: Jack Davey

April 19, 1987. Written by Geoffrey Atherden. Directed by George Whaley.

Cast

Synopsis

Australian singer and radio personality Jack Davey was one of the first to enter the first around-Australia car rally, the Redex Trial, amid a battle with his health.

Episode 9: Betty Cuthbert

April 26, 1988. Written by Denise Morgan. Directed by Kathy Mueller.

Cast

Synopsis

Betty Cuthbert was an Australian athlete and a four-time Olympic champion, dubbed Australia's 'Golden Girl'. During her career, she set multiple world records and endeared herself to the sporting world through her talent, courage and positive attitude.

Episode 10: General Gordon Bennett

May 3, 1988. Written by John Misto.

Cast

Synopsis

General Gordon Bennett was a highly decorated Australian army general who served in both World War I and World War II. After Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942, he fled back to Australia, while his men became prisoners of the Imperial Japanese Army. After the war, his escape spurned a Royal Commission and military enquiry.

Episode 11: Soldier Settlers

May 10, 1988. Directed by George Ogilvie.

Synopsis

Following World Wars I and II, Australian farming estates were divided up into small farms and given to war veterans by the Federal Government, in an effort to populate the Australian inland, including the Durkin Family.

Episode 12: Errol Flynn

May 24, 1988. Written by John Lonie. Directed by Michael Carson.

Cast

Synopsis

Errol Flynn was an Australian actor who achieved international fame during Hollywood's Golden Age, and was particularly known for his romantic swashbuckler roles.

Episode 13: John Norton

May 17, 1988.

Cast

Synopsis

John Norton was a journalist, editor and one of Australia's earliest and most successful newspaper barons. His ambitious nature saw him elected to the New South Wales Parliament three times, and he was considered one of Australia's most controversial public figures.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Australian Television: Michael Willesee's Australians: Episode guide".
  2. ^ "A selection of lively, multifaceted Australians". The Canberra Times. Vol. 63, no. 19, 417. Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 4 December 1988. p. 23. Retrieved 27 November 2020 – via National Library of Australia.
  3. ^ Oliver, Robin (29 February 1988). "Bicentennial Drama: It's a Knockout". Sydney Morning Herald. p. 68.
  4. ^ Corris, Peter (29 February 1988). "Mike Wilessee's Australians Less Darcy". Sydney Morning Herald. p. 75.


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