Brass Monkeys
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television entertainment |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder | Gary Reilly, Tony Sattler |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Sitcom |
Brass Monkeys is an Australian sitcom that premiered in 1984 on the Seven Network. The show was both written and produced by Gary Reilly and Tony Sattler, creators also known for The Naked Vicar Show and Kingswood Country. Its title alludes to the popular phrase "cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey", which aptly reflects the series' setting in Antarctica.
Synopsis
The storyline centers on a female doctor who becomes part of a predominantly male team stationed at a remote Australian Antarctic research facility.
Cast
- Graeme Blundell portraying Noddy
- Paul Chubb as Big Eye
- Kev Golsby taking on Hugo, the commanding officer
- Ross Hohnen playing Rex ("the Ferret")
- Margie McCrae as Dr Sally Newman
- Colin McEwan in the role of Nick
- Doug Scroope as Cookie
- Bill Young portraying Martin "Marty" Lightfoot
Background and production
The concept evolved from a pilot named Twelve Below, scripted by Reilly and Sattler with the intention of starring Noel Ferrier. However, Ferrier was unable to participate due to other commitments. This pilot featured Ferrier as the officer in charge, Robert Hughes as Noddy, Cornelia Frances as Dr Sally Newman, Colin McEwan as Nick, and Jeff Ashby as Rex ("the Ferret"). Of these original cast members, only McEwan continued with Brass Monkeys.
Episodes were crafted with an initial script followed by a camera script and were filmed twice before a live audience at Sydney’s Epping Studios on Saturdays. The final cut combined footage from both recordings to capture the strongest audience responses.
Brass Monkeys holds the distinction of being the sole sitcom set within the Antarctic region.
In 1984, due to the demands of managing this series alongside earlier projects, writer Tony Sattler departed from RS Productions, his joint venture with Gary Reilly. Subsequently, Reilly established Gary Reilly Productions. This marked their last collaboration under RS Productions until their reunion in 1997 for Bullpitt!.
Episodes
Between March and June 1983, rehearsals for thirteen episodes were conducted in an old hall located in Balmain. All episodes have been preserved within the National Film and Sound Archive. Four installments were broadcast on Wednesdays at 8:00 pm following Kingswood Country on 7 November, 14 November, 12 December, and 19 December 1984.