Fatty and George
| Company type | Government-backed film and television production company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film and television production |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Hobart, Tasmania , Australia |
| Products | Fatty and George (TV series) |
Fatty and George is a 1981 Australian science fiction television series for children, produced by the Tasmanian Film Corporation specifically for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Comprising ten episodes, each with a duration of 25 minutes, the narrative follows the adventures of siblings Fatty and George as they search for their missing scientist father while avoiding capture by a determined woman and her assistant.
Synopsis
The storyline centers on Fatty and George’s father, a scientist engaged in time travel experiments, who becomes trapped in a dimension resembling limbo following an accident. A crucial element of the plot is a rod-shaped crystal from his research, capable of halting time, which is sought after by the affluent antagonist Nancy. Assisted by their friend Izzy, aunty Kath, and grandad Bert, the children strive to locate their father and safeguard the crystal from Nancy and her accomplice Phil, all while dealing with interference from a local BMX gang.
Production and distribution
The Tasmanian Film Corporation, a government-backed initiative aimed at fostering regional film and television production, created the series during 1979–80. Filming took place on location in Hobart as well as in the corporation’s studios located in Moonah.
The series aired nationwide on ABC in 1981 and became one of Tasmania’s most prominent media exports, gaining international broadcast exposure. Although it was rebroadcast several times on ABC, current broadcast rights have expired, making future television airings improbable.
In 2004, Screen Tasmania showcased the initial three episodes as part of its "Tasmanian Travelling Picture Show" program.
Home media
This celebrated Tasmanian series has been made available on DVD for the first time, featuring all ten episodes digitally restored by the Tasmanian Archive & Heritage Office (TAHO).
According to TAHO Digital Services Officer Ron Moss, this release responds to considerable public interest, noting an active Facebook group dedicated to Fatty & George, indicative of a revived enthusiasm for classic productions.
John Honey—who served as director, producer, and co-writer of the original series—expressed his approval of the digital launch: "I encounter many people who fondly recall Fatty & George."
Cast
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Fatty | Scott Kinloch |
| George | Lisa Douglas |
| Izzy | Mathew Excell |
| Nancy | Pamela Archer |
| Phil | Barry Pierce |
| Maggot | Michael Aitken |
| Slasher | Michael Chapman |
| Jones | Shaun Cocker [Mark Kop – in the Pilot] |
| Bert | Fred Frampton |
| Kath | Noreen Le Mottee |
Episode list
| Episode # | Episode Title | Original Air Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Crystal | 03.03.1981 |
| 2 | Kidnapped | 10.03.1981 |
| 3 | The Hideout | 17.03.1981 |
| 4 | The Champion | 24.03.1981 |
| 5 | The Gravestone | 31.03.1981 |
| 6 | Stolen Property | 07.04.1981 |
| 7 | The Bomb | 14.04.1981 |
| 8 | Common Criminals | 21.04.1981 |
| 9 | Discovery | 28.04.1981 |
| 10 | The Destroyers | 05.05.1981 |