Jonah (TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | October 15, 1962 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Drama television series |
Jonah is an Australian drama television series that premiered on the Seven Network on 15 October 1962, comprising a total of 20 episodes. Created during an era when commercial Australian television seldom ventured into drama production, Jonah is a period piece inspired by the success of mini-series such as ABC's Stormy Petrel. The lead role was portrayed by Brian James, who also featured in Stormy Petrel. Notably, all episodes of the series have been preserved.
Premise
According to the National Film and Sound Archive, the show is a "historical drama centered on Jonah Locke, a merchant trader in early colonial Australia," with its narrative set in Sydney during the 1840s to 1850s. Throughout the series, Jonah encounters significant historical personalities.
Background
In March 1962, ATN announced plans to produce the series, appointing Michael Plant as writer and story editor, Harry Dearth as producer, and David Cahill as director. By July of that year, casting for principal roles was completed, and filming commenced at Artransa Park Studios. Production costs were approximately £3,500 per episode; ATN sold broadcasting rights to Australian networks at £1,500 per episode and to British networks for £1,000 each. The production faced challenges related to disputes with Actors Equity concerning remuneration for performers.
Reception
The show was met with favorable critiques, with The Australian Women's Weekly describing it as "splendid" and "fast, action packed entertainment." Additionally, Filmink commended Michael Plant's writing abilities, highlighting his skillful construction of coherent narratives and well-developed characters.
Episodes
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{{episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 17
|Title=This Piece of Earth
|Aux1=
|}
{{
episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 18
|Title=A Plague on Both Your Houses
|Aux1=Geoffrey King, Julianna Allan, Alexander Archdale, John Gregg
|}
{{
episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 19
|Title=Ship of Fame
|Aux1=Denis Doonan (Captain Westcote), Moya O'Sullivan (Pompy), Donald Philips (Captain Duff)
|}
See also
- The Outcasts – a comparable series broadcast by ABC the year before
- Autumn Affair – an earlier drama aired on the Seven Network
External links
- Articles with short description
- 1960s Australian drama television series
- 1962 Australian television series debuts
- 1963 Australian television series endings
- Black-and-white Australian television shows
- Australian English-language television shows
- Seven Network original programming
- Historical television series
- Television shows set in colonial Australia