Australians (TV series)

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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]

Contents

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):

Ep One – Les Darcy

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

Cast

Reception

The Age called it "a thumbnail sketch". [5]

Ep Two – Private John Simpson

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

Cast

Ep Three - Vivian Bullwinkle

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

Cast

Ep Four - Mary MacKillop

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

Cast

Ep Five - Lottie Lyell

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

Cast

Ep Six - Lola Montez

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

Cast

Ep Seven - Clyde Fenton

April 12, 1988. Directed by John Power.

Cast

Ep Eight - Jack Davey

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

Cast

Ep Nine - Betty Cuthbert

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

Cast

Ep Ten - Gordon Bennett

May 3, 1988. Written by John Misto.

Ep Eleven - Soldier Settlers

May 10, 1988. Directed by George Ogilvie.

Ep Twelve - John Norton

May 17, 1988.

Cast

Ep Thirteen - Errol Flynn

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

Cast

See also

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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.
  5. Hooks, Barbara (1 March 1988). "Telescope". The Age. p. 14.