Misery Guts
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Children's television |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Television program |
Misery Guts is an Australian children's television series that was broadcast on the Nine Network in 1998. This program is adapted from a book authored by Morris Gleitzman.
Synopsis
Vin and Marge Shipley operate a modest fish and chip shop in South London, where they live with their son Keith. In an attempt to brighten their mood, Keith purchases a tropical fish from Australia. When this gesture does not improve matters, he decides to relocate the family to Australia using insurance funds after accidentally setting their shop on fire. They move to the fictional community of Orchid Cove and establish a new business called Paradise Fish 'n' Chips. There, Keith forms a friendship with Tracy, who introduces him to local pastimes such as surfing.
The Shipleys contend with competition from Arnold Flashman’s rival establishment, Ocean Fresh Fish 'n' Fries, which boasts superior equipment but offers lower-quality food. After a storm damages their machinery, Keith and Tracy repaint their shop to draw in more customers.
In an effort to contribute financially, Keith travels to opal fields in Southern Australia but is abducted by Coal and Mic. After decorating Coal’s truck with paint, Keith secures transportation to the opal fields. Tracy informs Wogga, who joins Vin and Marge in searching for Keith. With assistance from her dog Buster, Tracy rescues Keith from a collapsed tunnel, leading to their reunion.
Feeling disheartened, Vin considers selling the shop to Flashman; however, Keith arranges a Fish 'n' Chips Championship judged by Baz, the local police sergeant. Paradise Fish 'n' Chips emerges victorious, ensuring the survival of their business and forcing Flashman out of the market. The series ends with Keith and Tracy celebrating their fresh start in Orchid Cove, which Tracy now regards as paradise.
Cast
- Paul Giles as Keith Shipley
- Brooke Harman as Tracy
- Alan Cinis as Vincent "Vin" Shipley
- Rhonda Doyle as Marge Shipley
- Brett Sellwood as Dennis
- Reece Williamson as Doopy Ann
- Andrew Windsor as Dougie
- Peter Marshall as Wogga, Tracy's father
- Malcolm Cork as Baz, the police sergeant
- Mark Hembrow as Arnold Flashman, proprietor of Ocean Fresh Fish 'n' Fries
- Christine Amor as Mrs Herman
Review
Jenny Tabakoff from The Sydney Morning Herald characterized the series as "engaging" and "well above average," commending its creative performances and visual effects. She emphasized the unique lighting and camera techniques that imparted a surreal atmosphere to the London scenes.
See also
External links
- Misery Guts at Australian Television Information Archive
- Misery Guts at IMDb
- Articles with short description
- Australian children's television series
- Australian comedy-drama television series
- Nine Network original programming
- 1998 Australian television series debuts
- 1999 Australian television series endings
- Australian television shows featuring puppetry
- Television shows set in London
- Television shows set in Queensland