A Town Like Alice (miniseries)
| Company type | Television miniseries |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | Seven Network |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Television drama |
A Town Like Alice is a 1981 Australian television miniseries with a total runtime of five hours, adapted from the novel by Nevil Shute bearing the same title. This production, overseen by the Seven Network and directed by David Stevens, represents the second significant screen interpretation of the original book.
In the United States, it was broadcast on PBS as part of the Masterpiece Theatre series, marking an uncommon instance of a non-British work featured in that collection.
Cast
- Helen Morse portraying Jean Paget
- Bryan Brown as Joe Harman
- Gordon Jackson in the role of Noel Strachan
- Peter Kowitz as a TAA pilot
- Arkie Whiteley playing Annie
- Maurie Fields as Al Burns
- Lorna Lesley in the role of Rose Sawyer
- Lois Ramsey as Mrs Driver
- Cecily Polson portraying Eileen Holland
- Lucy Bell as Jane Holland
- Tommy Lewis in the role of Bourneville
- Yuki Shimoda as Gunso, Sergeant Mifune
- John Lee playing Lester
- Dorothy Alison as Mrs Frith
- Anna Volska in the role of Sally
- John Howard (Australian actor) portraying Donald
- Richard Narita as Captain Sugamo
- Steve Bisley playing Tim Whelan
Differences from the novel
Although largely true to the source material, several key deviations include:
- In Malaya, Jean becomes aware of the Japanese invasion during a social gathering and escapes by truck, rather than leaving from her workplace or a friend's residence.
- The number of women and children who survive the arduous journey is reduced compared to the novel.
- Joe is affixed to a door of an outbuilding instead of being nailed to a tree.
- In Willstown, Jean challenges the bank manager regarding his office; Joe accuses her of provoking hostility, without referencing DDT orders. This leads to an argument and a temporary cancellation of their engagement.
- After receiving Jean's letter, Noel is struck by a taxi and subsequently travels to Willstown carrying her ice skates, hoping she will decide to return to England.
- Joe and Jean's wedding takes place in a church—a scene not present within the book's timeline—with Noel giving Jean away and proposing a toast at their reception, joined by congratulatory messages from acquaintances in Malaya.
Production
At its release, this series was Australia's most costly television project, with filming conducted on-site across England, Malaysia, and western New South Wales.
Reception
The miniseries attained remarkable commercial success domestically, securing a 49% share of television viewers.
Awards
In 1981, it earned the International Emmy Award for drama and went on to win a Logie Award for Best Single Drama or Mini Series in 1982. Lead actors Morse, Brown, and Jackson were also honored with Logie Awards recognizing their performances.
External links
- Articles with short description
- 1981 television films
- 1981 films
- 1980s Australian television miniseries
- 1981 Australian television series debuts
- 1981 Australian television series endings
- World War II television series
- Seven Network original programming
- International Emmy Award for Drama winners
- Films based on works by Nevil Shute