The Far Country | |
---|---|
Genre | drama |
Based on | The Far Country by Nevil Shute |
Screenplay by | David Whitaker |
Directed by | Eric Tayler |
Country of origin | Australia |
Original language | English |
No. of seasons | 1 |
No. of episodes | 6 |
Production | |
Producer | Eric Tayler |
Camera setup | Lloyd Sheils |
Running time | 45 mins |
Production company | ABC |
Original release | |
Network | ABC |
Release | 9 February – 15 March 1972 |
The Far Country is a 1972 Australian mini-series based on the novel of the same name by Nevil Shute. The novel was adapted for television on the ABC, consisting of six episodes. It started on 9 February 1972. [1]
Jennifer Morton travels from England to Australia where she stays with some distant relatives. She falls in love with Czech miner Carl Zlinter who works at a neighbouring lumber cap.
Director Eric Tayler had made the mini series Dead Men Running for the ABC the year before. Shooting of the six-episode series took place in Bandaleer Downs, Tarana, Sofala, Vittoria, Mullion Creek Orange and Bathurst, and at the ABC's Gore Hill studios. [2] [3]
The scripts were written by English writer David Whitaker who also appeared in a small role. [4] [5]
A new version of the series (sometimes broadcast as a TV film) was produced in 1986 with the actor Michael York playing the character of Carl Zinter. [6]
The Age said "the serial successfully evokes the parched pastoral poetry of a remote sheep station in 1951. Eric Tayler shepherds the show's actors, and animals, with laconic skill... performances... attest to a growing expertise in Australian teledrama." The critic also praised the camerwork although felt it "wasted on a love and jealousy tale so naive and sudsy." [7]
Another critic for the same paper thought it "has plenty of good outdoor shots and fresh air, yet somehow lacks robustness and enough zing to hold the interest. A fault could be... not enough liberty has been taken with a story too telegraphic for television." [8]
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