Dynasty (Australian TV series)
| Company type | Television drama series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | July 1, 1970 |
| Defunct | October 6, 1971 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Television drama |
Dynasty is an Australian television drama that was broadcast from 7 October 1970 until 6 October 1971. The series is adapted from Tony Morphett's 1967 novel, which had earlier been transformed into a television play.
1969 TV play
The original novel was initially turned into a television play by the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC), airing in October 1969 as a segment of the anthology series Australian Plays. Morphett authored the script, and the production was directed by Oscar Whitbread in Melbourne. This project benefited from Morphett's prior writing contributions to Australian Playhouse.
Plot
Inventor Jim Richards (portrayed by Terry Norris) approaches the Mason Corporation seeking funding for his innovative machine, only to become embroiled in internal family conflicts. David Mason exploits his relationship with his sister-in-law Kathy to strengthen his position.
Cast
- Terry Norris as Jim Richards
- Brian James as Jack Mason, patriarch of the family
- Mark McManus as Peter Mason, sibling
- Ron Graham as John Mason, sibling
- Kevin Miles as David Mason
- Alan Hopgood as Jacob Goldberg
Reception
The Sydney Morning Herald lauded the production as "the best thing the ABC has done in a long, long time." Moran emphasized its insightful portrayal of media dominance within Australia and praised actor John Tate for delivering a compelling performance.
TV series
Encouraged by the positive reception of the TV play, a full television series was developed featuring mostly new actors.[1][2] The show debuted in July 1970 and spanned two seasons: the first consisting of 10 episodes and the second comprising 13.[1][2]
Plot summary
The narrative of Dynasty revolves around Jack Mason, a powerful media tycoon, and his ambitious sons John, David, and Peter.[2]
Cast
- John Tate as Jack Mason (Episodes 1–10)
- Ron Graham as John Mason
- Kevin Miles as David Mason
- Nick Tate as Peter Mason
- Anne Haddy as Kathy Mason, spouse of John
- Pat Bishop as Patricia Mason, wife of Peter
- Serge Lazareff as Christopher Mason, son of John and Kathy
- Owen Weingott as Jacob Goldberg
- Ben Gabriel as 'Unk' Martel
- Tony Ward as Nigel Dayton
- Lyn James as Maggie Tench, Jack's secretary
- Kerry McGuire as Franki Halliday
- Tom Oliver as Tom Fenwick
Episodes
A total of twenty-three episodes were created.[1]
Series 1
| No. in series |
No. in season |
Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date
Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist {{Episode list/sublist|Dynasty (Australian TV series) |
EpisodeNumber = 8 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | Title = The Champion | WrittenBy = Tony Morphett | OriginalAirDate = 25 November 1970 |
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|}
Series 2
| Series Number |
Season Episode |
Episode Title | Director | Writer | Original Broadcast Date
Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist Template:Episode list/sublist {{Episode list/sublist|Dynasty (Australian TV series) |
EpisodeNumber = 17 | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | Title = Nothing Personal | DirectedBy = Alan Burke | WrittenBy = Alan Burke | OriginalAirDate = 25 August 1971 |
|---|
|}
External links
- Dynasty on Classic Australian TV
- Dynasty television series at AustLit
- Dynasty rehearsal script available at National Archives of Australia