Mother and Son
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | January 16, 1984 |
| Founder | Geoffrey Atherden |
| Defunct | March 21, 1994 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Television sitcom |
Mother and Son is an Australian sitcom that aired on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) from 16 January 1984 until 21 March 1994. The series starred Ruth Cracknell, Garry McDonald, Henri Szeps, and Judy Morris, with numerous well-known Australian actors appearing in guest roles. Developed and scripted by Geoffrey Atherden, its opening theme features the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra performing I Want a Girl (Just Like the Girl That Married Dear Old Dad), a jazz classic originally recorded by Al Jolson in the 1920s.
A theatrical version adapted by Geoffrey Atherden debuted at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre on 18 July 2014.
In November 2022, plans for an eight-episode reboot were revealed, casting Denise Scott and Matt Okine as Maggie and Arthur. Production commenced in Sydney in March 2023.
Premise
This series examines the complexities of ageing and caregiving through a blend of sharp humor and emotional depth. The intricate dynamic between Maggie and her son Arthur highlights her emotional manipulation coupled with a strong reliance on him, while Arthur navigates his devoted care with growing frustration over its effects on his personal life. Ruth Cracknell’s performance as Maggie earned widespread praise, regarded as one of the most memorable portrayals in Australian television history. The show maintained lasting appeal, frequently rebroadcast, particularly on Network Ten. Additionally, Cracknell and McDonald reprised their roles in television commercials promoting Dynamo laundry detergent.
Maggie Beare
Maggie (Ruth Cracknell), whose full name is Margaret May Lapsley Beare, is a widow of WWII serviceman Leo, mother to Robert and Arthur, sister to Lorna, and grandmother to Damien and Teonie. She is in the early stages of dementia and resides with her younger son Arthur, who provides her care. Despite her memory decline, Maggie remains cunning and often creates difficulties for Arthur. Formerly a nurse, she met Leo while attending to his war injuries.
Arthur Beare
Arthur (Garry McDonald) is Maggie and Leo’s younger son, brother to Robert, uncle to Damien and Teonie, and recently divorced from Deidre. He works as an editor and journalist while managing caregiving responsibilities for his demanding mother. Arthur owns a 1955 Morris Minor Series II Tourer convertible that frequently breaks down. His romantic relationships are hindered by Maggie’s interference; she disparages his girlfriends as "floozies." His brother Robert affectionately calls him "Artie."
Robert Beare
The elder son of Maggie and Leo, Robert (Henri Szeps) is married to Liz and father to Damien and Teonie. He is a prosperous dentist known for taking numerous vacations and engaging in extramarital affairs disguised as dental conferences. Maggie blames his womanizing for his failure to complete medical school. Robert enjoys leisure activities such as tennis, golf, and classical music, owning luxury vehicles including a Jaguar, Volvo, and BMW. When Arthur requested a car loan, Robert offered only an old Volvo at a reduced price.
Liz Beare
Liz (Judy Morris), Robert’s wife and mother of Damien and Teonie, endures her husband’s infidelities but finds it difficult to prove them due to his careful concealment. She spends his money socializing with other affluent yet unhappy women. Occasionally confiding in Arthur—sometimes with hints of attraction—Liz is equally insensitive regarding Maggie’s care and advocates for placing her in a nursing home. Known for her distinctive drawl, she frequently utters phrases like "Oh Gawd" or "You're weird, Arthur."
Recurring characters
Deidre Beare (Suzanne Roylance): Arthur's former wife, appearing across five episodes. While she supports Arthur, she disapproves of his commitment to caring for his mother. Their relationship is mended by the series finale.
Aunty Lorna (Melissa Jaffer): Maggie's sister, featured in three episodes. She is married to Stan and they have three children—Colin, Dawn, and Murray (who never appears on screen). During her story arc, it is revealed that Stan has passed away.
Dr. Holloway (Martin Vaughan): The family physician, appearing in three episodes, depicted as suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Main
- Ruth Cracknell as Maggie Beare
- Garry McDonald as Arthur Beare
- Henri Szeps as Robert Beare
- Judy Morris as Liz Beare
Recurring
- Suzanne Roylance as Deidre Beare (5 episodes)
- Melissa Jaffer as Aunty Lorna (3 episodes)
- Martin Vaughan as Dr. Holloway (3 episodes)
- Roslyn Gentle as Wendy (2 episodes)
- Warwick Moss as Fireman (2 episodes)
- Ron Haddrick as Claude Price (2 episodes)
- Constance Lansberg as Helen (2 episodes)
- Suzette Williams as Constable (2 episodes)
Guests
- Arky Michael as Constable (1 episode)
- Barbara Stephens as Susan Price (1 episode)
- Betty Lucas as Mavis (1 episode)
- Bud Tingwell as The Judge (1 episode)
- Colleen Clifford as Old Lady (1 episode)
- Diane Craig as Delores (1 episode)
- Frank Lloyd as Catholic Priest
- George Whaley as Doctor (1 episode)
- Jennifer Cluff as Carrie Samuels (1 episode)
- Joan Sydney as Merle MacDonald (1 episode)
- Julie Nihill as Receptionist (1 episode)
- Les Foxcroft as Old Man (1 episode)
- Lois Ramsey as Butcher #1 (1 episode)
- Penne Hackforth-Jones as Community Medical Officer Joan (1 episode)
- Peter Gwynne as Uncle Tom
- Peter Whitford as Minister (1 episode)
- Ray Meagher as Geoff (1 episode)
- Sonia Todd as Policewoman (1 episode)
- Tom Oliver as Sergeant (1 episode)
- Vivienne Garrett as Tessa (1 episode)
The house
The external scenes were shot at 16 Rickard Street, located in Rodd Point. This residence, constructed in 1927 by John Cockerill, gained television recognition but was largely overlooked by potential buyers during its 2014 auction. It ultimately sold for $1.95 million. The purchaser intended to develop a dual-occupancy property featuring an underground garage and swimming pool. Approval for demolition and new construction was granted in June 2015 without any objections.
DVD releases
The entire six-series collection has been made available in Australia:
- Vol. 1 (2-disc set), released 10 June 2004
- Vol. 2 (2-disc set), released 3 February 2005
- Vol. 3 (2-disc set), released 7 July 2005
- Vol. 4 (2-disc set), released 6 October 2005
- Vol. 5 (single disc), released 7 November 2007
- The Complete Series 1–6 box set (6 discs), released 7 November 2007
- Individual releases of Series 1–6, all issued on 1 April 2010
Digital release
By 2016, the full series was accessible on Netflix Australia; starting in 2018, it became available for streaming on the platform Stan.
Gold Logies
- 1994: Ruth Cracknell honored as Most Popular Comedy Personality
Silver Logies
- 1993, 1994: Ruth Cracknell received Most Outstanding Actress
- 1994: Garry McDonald awarded Most Outstanding Actor
Additional accolades
- 1987: Television Drama Award presented by the Australian Human Rights Commission
Stage productions
The theatrical version of Mother and Son, adapted by Geoffrey Atherden and featuring performances by Noeline Brown, Darren Gilshenan, and Shane Jacobson, debuted at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre on 18 July 2014.
In mid-2020, Jally Entertainment organized a tour with Julie McGregor and Christopher Truswell, scheduled for June to July, covering several Australian locations such as Caloundra, Wangaratta, Rockhampton, Brisbane, and Newcastle.