Australians (TV series)
| Industry | Television production |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1980s |
| Founder | Michael Willesee |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Television series production |
Australians—also referred to as Michael Willesee's Australians—is a thirteen-episode anthology documentary drama series broadcast on the Seven Network in 1988.
In the same year, a richly illustrated coffee table book authored by Roger McDonald and published by Bantam Books was made available.
The series was produced by Willesee's production company, Transmedia, rather than by Willesee personally.
Episodes
This series highlights prominent Australians, with one installment dedicated to soldier settlers:
- Les Darcy – featuring Peter Phelps
- Private John Simpson – featuring Robert Willox
- Vivian Bullwinkle – featuring Rachel Ward
- Mary Mackillop – featuring Lorna Lesley
- Lottie Lyell – featuring Odile Le Clezio
- Lola Montez – featuring Linda Cropper
- Clyde Fenton – featuring Scott Burgess
- Jack Davey – featuring Rhys McConnochie
- Betty Cuthbert – featuring Helen Mutkins
- Gordon Bennett – featuring Bill Kerr
- Errol Flynn – featuring Christopher Stollery
- John Norton – featuring John Ewart
Episode 1: Les Darcy
Originally aired March 1, 1988. Scripted by John Upton and directed by Kevin Dobson.
Cast
- Peter Phelps portraying Les Darcy
- Gia Carides as Winnie O'Sullivan
- Gus Mercurio as Tex Rickard
- Annie Byron as Mrs O'Sullivan
- Robin Howering as William Hughes
- Nikki Coghill as Lilly Molloy
- Michael Caton as Mr Darcy
- Kerry Walker as Mrs Darcy
- Greg Stone as Mick King
- Ned Manning as Mick Hawkins
Synopsis
Les Darcy, an acclaimed Australian boxing champion, became embroiled in controversy when his mother stopped him from joining the military during World War I, resulting in allegations of cowardice. His promising career was cut short when he died at age 21 due to septicaemia.
Episode 2: Private John Simpson
Aired 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 in an uncredited role as Wounded Soldier
Synopsis
Private John (Jack) Simpson served as a stretcher bearer during World War I and heroically risked his life under fire at Gallipoli to save wounded soldiers. Due to a shortage of stretchers, he utilized a donkey to ferry the injured back to base camp, earning him recognition as a national war hero and symbol.
Episode 3: Vivian Bullwinkle
Aired March 15, 1988. Written by Anne Brooksbank, directed by Rod Hardy.
Cast
- Rachel Ward portraying Vivian Bullwinkle
- Barry Quinn as Private Kinsley
- Julie Hamilton
- Jo Kennedy
Synopsis
Vivian Bullwinkel, who volunteered as a nurse during World War II, survived the sinking of her evacuation vessel departing Singapore but was subsequently captured and executed by Japanese forces on Banka Island.
Episode 4: Mary MacKillop
March 22, 1988. Script by John Misto. Directed by Mark Callan.
Cast
- Lorna Lesley portraying Mary MacKillop
- Kerry Armstrong as Matron
- Annie Byron
- Nicholas Eadie
- George Whaley
Synopsis
Sister Mary MacKillop established the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, creating schools and charitable institutions throughout Australasia dedicated to educating impoverished children. The order’s autonomy from regional bishops led to tensions within the Catholic Church.
Episode 5: Lottie Lyell
March 29, 1988. Written by Anne Brooksbank. Directed by Ben Lewin
Cast
- Odile Le Clezio as Lottie Lyell
- Robert Coleby playing Raymond Longford
- Michelle Fawdon as Melena Longford
- Judi Farr in the role of Ma (Mrs Lyell)
- Joy Hruby as Mrs Whittle
- Jeff Truman portraying Arthur Tauchert
- Danny Adcock as Arthur Higgins
- Peter Adams as Mr Dutton
Synopsis
Lottie Lyell, recognized as Australia’s inaugural film star, also made significant contributions behind the camera as a screenwriter, director, art director, costume designer, editor, and business manager during the silent film era.
Episode 6: Lola Montez
April 5, 1988. Script by Tony Morphett. Directed by Ian Gilmour.
Cast
- Linda Cropper starring as Lola Montez
- Nicholas Eadie as Folland
- Peter Whitford portraying Mr Crosby
- Pat Thomson as Mrs Crosby
- Bruce Barry in the role of Wellesley
- Danny Adcock playing Harry Seekamp
- Warwick Moss as Captain
- Ben Gabriel cast as San Francisco doctor
- Robyn Forsythe appearing as Auditionee #1
Synopsis
Lola Montez, an internationally acclaimed singer and dancer, toured globally and performed for miners during Australia’s gold rush in the 1850s.
Episode 7: Clyde Fenton
April 12, 1988. Directed by John Power.
Cast
- Scott Burgess in the role of Clyde Fenton
- Kerry Armstrong portraying Martin
- Bruce Spence as Dr Cecil Cook
- Martin Vaughan playing Mr Jackson
Synopsis
Clyde Fenton was a trailblazing aviator and medical practitioner who contributed to founding the renowned Flying Doctor Service, earning him recognition as a hero in the Northern Territory.
Episode 8: Jack Davey
April 19, 1987. Written by Geoffrey Atherden. Directed by George Whaley.
Cast
- Rhys McConnochie portraying Jack Davey
- Shane Briant as Tony Ferguson
- Loene Carmen playing Betty Fitzgerald
- Syd Conabere cast as Angus Moore
- John Derum in the role of Len Mauger
- Les Foxcroft as The Doctor
- Ron Haddrick portraying Tom Stone
- Julie Hamilton as Gwennie Moore
- Alan David Lee playing Arthur Cushing
- Martin Vaughan cast as Ced Fitzgerald
Synopsis
Australian vocalist and radio figure Jack Davey took part in the pioneering Redex Trial, an around-Australia car rally, overcoming personal health obstacles.
Episode 9: Betty Cuthbert
April 26, 1988. Script by Denise Morgan. Direction by Kathy Mueller.
Cast
- Helen Mutkins portraying Betty Cuthbert
- Deborah Kennedy as June Ferguson
- Lynette Curran in the role of Mrs Cuthbert
- Neil Fitzpatrick as Speaker
Synopsis
Known as Australia's 'Golden Girl,' Betty Cuthbert achieved four Olympic gold medals and established several world records, celebrated for her exceptional skill and perseverance.
Episode 10: General Gordon Bennett
May 3, 1988. Written by John Misto.
Cast
- Bill Kerr in the role of Gordon Bennett
- Andrew Lloyde
- Edmund Pegge as General Percival
Synopsis
General Gordon Bennett participated in both World Wars. Following the 1942 surrender of Singapore, he controversially fled to Australia while his forces were taken prisoner, leading to a Royal Commission investigation.
Episode 11: Soldier Settlers
May 10, 1988. Directed by George Ogilvie.
Synopsis
After the First and Second World Wars, the Federal Government assigned agricultural land to returning servicemen to promote settlement in Australia's interior, highlighting families such as the Durkins.
Episode 12: Errol Flynn
May 24, 1988. Script by John Lonie. Directed by Michael Carson.
Cast
- Christopher Stollery as Errol Flynn
- Nell Schofield playing Scotty
- Timothy Conigrave as Cooper-Smith
- Terence Donovan portraying Old Errol
- Rhys McConnochie as Scott Dumaresq
- Jeanette Cronin as Irene
- Paul Sonkkila in the role of Bill Stubbs
- Deidre Rubenstein as Nance
Synopsis
Errol Flynn, an Australian-born actor, rose to international stardom during Hollywood’s Golden Age, best recognized for his roles in romantic swashbuckler films.
Episode 13: John Norton
May 17, 1988.
Cast
- John Ewart as John Norton
- Bartholomew John portraying Dick Meagher
- James Lovell as Ezra Norton
Synopsis
A pioneering newspaper proprietor and editor, John Norton was among Australia's first influential media magnates. His drive also secured him three terms in the New South Wales Parliament, marking him as a contentious political figure.
See also
External links
- Australians on IMDb
- Australians at the Australian Television Information Archive